Lead Optical Systems Engineer - Space Laser & Control

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

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.