Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Peraton; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense and space technologies company is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering Expert to lead the design and integration of optical communication systems for Satellite Communications (SATCOM) projects. This role requires expertise in laser-based optical communications and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with five years or more experience in optical communications. The ideal candidate must possess strong analytical skills and be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications, photonics, or related fields.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance is essential.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts of operations for optical SATCOM ground terminal systems.
• Analyze and allocate requirements for free-space optical communication links.
• Perform link budget analysis and atmospheric turbulence modeling.

Skills

Optical communication systems

Technical analysis

Project management

Modeling and link analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics or related field

Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.)

Job description

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.

Ready to make an impact! Join Peraton in advancing national security through innovative Satellite Communications (SATCOM) ground terminal solutions. As a trusted partner in defense and space technologies, Peraton delivers the systems and services that keep our nation connected.

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. In this role, you will provide technical expertise in laser-based, free-space optical communications and related technologies, ensure compliance with DoD guidelines, and collaborate across teams to drive project success. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge in free space optical communications systems, with strong analytical and communication skills.

The Optical Communications SE will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

• 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.