Optical/Quantum Communications Systems Engineer

Systems Planning & Analysis; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to support IC and DoD customers in optical and quantum communications.

You will perform system engineering analyses, risk assessments, and technical advisory support across architectures for next‑generation space and national security links. Ideal candidates have TS/SCI + Poly, a strong background in optical/quantum technologies, and experience with USG programs.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + poly clearance at date of application.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline with 9+ years of experience; Masters and 7+ years of experience; PhD or JD and 4+ years of experience.
• Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills.
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts across component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
• Evaluate designs and technologies such as optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, entanglement-based communication architectures, and quantum‑enhanced optical subsystems.
• Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high‑bandwidth space links, advanced modulation formats, pointing and tracking systems, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum‑enabled transport architectures.
• Support the creation of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for modernizing optical and quantum systems.
• Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture operational needs and determine the applicability of emerging capabilities.
• Prepare system engineering documentation, technical analyses, and program‑level briefings to convey findings and strategic recommendations.
• Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities such as source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical writing

Cross‑functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/related field

Master’s degree in engineering/physics

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA to support IC and DoD customers in optical and quantum communications.

You will perform system engineering analyses, risk assessments, and technical advisory support across architectures for next‑generation space and national security links. Ideal candidates have TS/SCI + Poly, a strong background in optical/quantum technologies, and experience with USG programs.