Lead Optical Systems Engineer

CACI; Florham Park (NJ); On-site; USD 105,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI is seeking a Lead Optical Systems Engineer to drive system-level design across optical communications, remote sensing, and tracking for space missions. You will define requirements, develop robust control laws, and validate them on hardware with MATLAB/Simulink and Python, collaborating with software, hardware, and test teams.

Occasional travel and field testing may be required. A PhD or advanced degree with long experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus significant experience in optical systems or photonics.
• Experience with control systems, feedback, state estimation, and system dynamics.
• Hands-on lab work in optical, fiber optic, electrical, or mechanical subsystems.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical solutions for communications, remote sensing, and tracking.
• Define system-level requirements and translate to subsystem specs.
• Design and tune control laws, filters, and estimators for hardware.
• Work with pointing/tracking systems for laser communications.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and test teams through validation.
• Create test procedures, support production transition, field testing.

Skills

Controls and optical systems

Lab testing & validation

Python / MATLAB/Simulink

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics; PhD with 10+ years

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

Job Title: Lead Optical Systems Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Continental US

The Opportunity:

CACI is looking for a Lead Optical Systems Engineer in our Space LOB, supporting our photonics team-- we are expanding! Our laser communications technology is helping NASA provide high-definition video from the International Space Station, and to explore asteroids 250 million miles away. Our other optical technology can also help scientists discover biohazards; support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and protect soldiers from explosive devices. Do you have a passion for innovation?

Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative optical solutions related to optical communications, optical remote sensing, communications, optical amplifiers, and optical tracking.
• Experienced system architect with a proven ability to define system-level requirements and translate them into actionable subsystem and control requirements.
• Expertise in control system design using both classical and modern methods, with a strong foundation in feedback control theory, state estimation, and system dynamics.
• Hands-on experience developing, implementing, tuning, and validating control laws, filters, and estimators on physical hardware.
• Strong background in pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems for laser communication terminals or other high-precision optical or aerospace platforms.
• Experience controlling fast steering mirrors, gimbals, fine/coarse pointing systems, and other precision stabilization devices.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink and Python for control design, analysis, simulation, and test automation.
• Skilled in building and using simulation environments to evaluate closed-loop performance, including hardware-in-the-loop integration and testing.
• Experience defining sensing and actuation architectures, control interfaces, and data rate requirements for high-performance systems.
• Proven ability to collaborate across software, hardware, and test teams to integrate and mature control systems from concept through validation.
• Troubleshooting of optical system and subsystem failures.
• Development of test procedures and test stations.
• Support transition of engineering prototypes into production.
• Support field testing with occasional travel to off-site and out of state locations.
• Recommend and initiate process improvements and overall development practices.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (preferably Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or Physics) with at least 15 years of applicable experience or a PhD with at least 10 years of industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of controls and optical systems
• Excellent hands-on and laboratory skills in building, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of optical, fiber optic, electrical, and/or mechanical subsystems.
• Proactive, organized, self-motivated individual, requiring minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a US government clearance at the level required to perform in the position.

Desired:

• Experience with spaceflight hardware a plus
• Working understanding of optical communications including common modulation formats, photo-receiver sensitivities and noise analysis

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose -- to ensure the safety of our nation. An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground --- in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. Since this position can be worked in more than one location, the range shown is the national average for the position. The proposed salary range for this position is: $105,100-$231,100 CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.