Optical Communication Engineer

Fibertek Inc; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Excellent benefits

Progressive learning environment

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Herndon, VA is seeking an Optical Communication Engineer to design and build satellite-based optical communication systems. The role involves working on projects for NASA and the DOD, where you will manage high-profile missions and collaborate in a creative environment. Candidates should have a BS degree in Physics or Optical Engineering, at least 3 years of hands-on experience, and proficiency in relevant simulation tools. This position offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in optical systems.
• Understanding of opto-mechanical and thermo-optic stability.
• Knowledge of laser theory relevant to fiber laser systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and build optical space terminals.
• Conduct performance and environmental verification testing.
• Support the build and alignment of laser communication terminals.

Skills

Optical system design

Optical alignment methods

Communication skills

Documentation skills

Education

BS in Physics, Optical Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

MATHCAD

ZEMAX

Job description

Job Title

Optical Communication Engineer

Location

Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Job Description

Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter‑satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links? Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow’s advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while being empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise.

Job Duties

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hands‑on building space flight optical terminals, and conducting performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high‑profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands‑on experience to support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser communication terminals, build space fiber lasers, and develop optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating and performing formal acceptance and qualification testing across multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short‑duration flight programs and long‑duration technology maturation programs.

Job Requirements

• BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands‑on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
• Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods.
• Understanding of opto‑mechanical, thermo‑optic tolerance and stability.
• Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers.
• Ability or interest in building fiber lasers.
• Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
• Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus, including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity.

FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits. Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permit any discrimination in the workplace.