Lead Optical Systems Engineer for Space Laser Communications

CACI International Inc; Florham Park (NJ); On-site; USD 105,100 - 231,100; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. in the Space LOB seeks a Lead Optical Systems Engineer to advance laser communications and optical sensing for NASA missions. You will architect systems, specify requirements, and collaborate with software, hardware, and test teams across locations.

Travel up to 10% for field tests, production transitions, and off-site verification. Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and Python, with hands-on hardware integration and rigorous testing, is essential to deliver high‑reliability

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of controls and optical systems.
• Excellent hands-on laboratory skills in building, testing and troubleshooting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a US citizen with ability to obtain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop optical solutions related to optical communications and tracking.
• Define system-level requirements and derive subsystem requirements.
• Design control systems using classical and modern methods.
• Implement and validate control laws, filters, and estimators on hardware.
• Collaborate across software, hardware, and test teams from concept to validation.
• Support field testing and production transitions.

Skills

Controls theory

Optical systems knowledge

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Hands-on laboratory skills

Team collaboration

System architecture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or Physics

PhD with at least 10 years of industry experience

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

CACI International Inc. in the Space LOB seeks a Lead Optical Systems Engineer to advance laser communications and optical sensing for NASA missions. You will architect systems, specify requirements, and collaborate with software, hardware, and test teams across locations.

Travel up to 10% for field tests, production transitions, and off-site verification. Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and Python, with hands-on hardware integration and rigorous testing, is essential to deliver high‑reliability