Optical & Quantum Communications Systems Engineer

VTG Defense

Chantilly (VA)

On-site

USD 165,000 - 195,000

Full time

9 days ago

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

VTG Defense in Chantilly, VA seeks a Communications Systems Engineer to support SETA efforts for IC/DoW customers, focusing on optical and quantum communications systems engineering and programmatic support.

The role involves technical reviews, design evaluation, roadmap development, and coordination with mission users to align emerging optical/quantum capabilities with customer needs. A strong technical background and collaboration across teams are essential.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline with 9+ years of experience; Master's with 7+ years; PhD or JD with 4+ years.
Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline is desired.
12+ years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in optical or quantum communication systems.
Experience with spacebased optical terminals, quantum optical payloads, photonic systems, or advanced quantum-enabled architectures is desired.

Responsibilities

Perform technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts across components, subsystems, systems, and architectures.
Evaluate designs and technologies including optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, entanglement-based architectures, and quantum-enabled subsystems.
Assess emerging technologies and gaps related to high-bandwidth space links, advanced modulation, pointing/tracking, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum-enabled transport architectures.
Support development of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for optical and quantum system modernization.
Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture needs and evaluate applicability of emerging optical/quantum capabilities.
Prepare system engineering documentation, analyses, and program-level briefings to communicate findings and strategic recommendations.
Support programmatic and acquisition activities, including source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.