Lead Optical Systems Engineer

CACI International; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International is seeking a Lead Optical Systems Engineer to expand our photonics team in Space LOB. The role focuses on developing optical communication systems, point acquisitions, and control architectures across hardware and software teams.

The successful candidate will have deep experience in controls and optical systems, hands-on lab skills, and the ability to obtain the necessary U.S. government clearance. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 15+ years of applicable experience or a PhD with 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.
• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain a US government clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative optical solutions related to optical communications, optical remote sensing, communications, optical amplifiers, and optical tracking.
• Define system-level requirements and translate them into subsystem and control requirements.
• Design and implement control laws, filters, and estimators on hardware.
• Collaborate across software, hardware, and test teams to mature control systems from concept to validation.
• Support field testing with travel to off-site locations.
• Develop test procedures and test stations.

Skills

Controls knowledge

Optical systems

Lab skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Optical Engineering or Physics

PhD with 10+ years industry experience

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 anEqualOpportunity 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 otherprotectedcharacteristic.