Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Peraton; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 104,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions provider is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineer to design and optimize optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and at least five years of related experience. Candidates must be U.S. citizens capable of obtaining a TS/SCI clearance. Responsibilities include developing operational concepts, analyzing requirements, and providing technical guidance for system deployment while collaborating with engineering teams. The salary range is $104,000 - $166,000.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications.
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts of operations for optical SATCOM systems.
• Analyze requirements for optical communication links.
• Provide technical guidance on system deployment.

Skills

Optical system modeling

Link analysis

Organizational skills

Technical guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Job Locations: US-VA-Herndon | US-CO-Aurora

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. This role provides technical expertise in laser‑based, free‑space optical communications and related technologies, ensures compliance with DoD guidelines, and collaborates across teams to drive project success. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge in free‑space optical communication systems, with strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

The Optical Communications SE will be responsible for the following:

• Developing concepts of operations for optical SATCOM ground terminal systems.
• Reviewing, developing, analyzing, and allocating requirements for free‑space optical communication links and ground terminals.
• Developing and exercising performance models, including link budget analysis, atmospheric turbulence modeling, pointing/acquisition/tracking simulations, and mitigation techniques (e.g., adaptive optics, wavefront correction).
• Providing technical guidance on deploying optical SATCOM systems, including optical ground terminals, wavefront correction, acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) mechanisms, and atmospheric mitigation strategies.
• Supporting the integration of optical ground terminals into SATCOM architectures, collaborating with engineering teams on system design, testing, and validation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field.
• Must have the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications, photonics, or related fields, with focus on free‑space optical systems and ground terminal applications.
• Proficient in free‑space optical system modeling and link analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex technical tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of optical communication challenges and mitigations, including atmospheric mitigation, pointing, acquisition and tracking, and link analysis.
• Exposure to SATCOM or defense‑related optical communication projects, particularly involving ground terminals.
• Experience with DoD lifecycle management processes for SATCOM systems from engineering design, integration, and test to deployment, operations and sustainment.

Target Salary Range

$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.