Optical SATCOM Engineer: High-Power Laser Links

AeroVironment; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K matching

9/80 schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking an Optical Communication Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced optical systems for satellite communications. You will plan, evaluate performance, and integrate SATCOM hardware and software while supporting multiple projects in parallel.

The role emphasizes high‑bandwidth optical links, space‑qualified architectures, and cutting‑edge techniques such as coherent and wavelength‑division links.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Engineering, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience with fiber‑optic and laser‑based systems for optical communications and sensing.
• Design, build, and test high‑power fiber amplifiers and MOPA systems using double‑clad, large‑mode‑area fibers.
• Experience with WDM/FDM and high‑data‑rate laser communication architectures.
• Experience in coherent beam combining and wavelength beam combining to scale transmit power.
• Strong understanding of Zemax and CODE V for fiber‑coupled and free‑space links.
• Deep knowledge of nonlinear fiber effects (SBS, SRS, SPM, FWM, TMI) and their impact on links.
• U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high‑power fiber laser systems and subsystems for SATCOM.
• Conduct rigorous terrestrial and laboratory testing under simulated conditions.
• Model and design using Zemax and CODE V for complex optical paths.
• Produce detailed progress reports and system documentation for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with teams; share ideas and solicit feedback.
• Excel in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments with small teams.
• Inspire and enable colleagues to meet organizational goals.

Skills

Fiber-optic systems

Laser systems

Zemax

CODE V

WDM

Coherent beam combining

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

C#/.NET

Education

Master’s or PhD in Engineering

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking an Optical Communication Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced optical systems for satellite communications. You will plan, evaluate performance, and integrate SATCOM hardware and software while supporting multiple projects in parallel.

The role emphasizes high‑bandwidth optical links, space‑qualified architectures, and cutting‑edge techniques such as coherent and wavelength‑division links.