Optical Test Engineer

CACI International Inc; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International Inc in Los Gatos, CA is seeking an Optical Test Engineer to design, model, analyze, and test optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems for Optical Communication Terminals used in inter-satellite communication. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering with 5 years of related experience, and strong knowledge of free-space and fiber optics.

You will design, build, and align test configurations and support stray light suppression efforts, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering and 5 years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of free-space and guided-wave optics.
• Ability to design, build, and align optical test configurations.
• Experience with stray light suppression.
• Effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, and test optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components.
• Develop specifications, tolerances, simulations, and test procedures for OE systems.
• Draft and follow assembly and test work instructions.
• Use methods to verify optical design requirements are met.
• Troubleshoot optical problems during system testing.
• Communicate cross-functionally to develop project plans.

Skills

Optical knowledge

Free-space optics

Fiber optics

Opto-mechanics

Test configuration design

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Physics/Engineering

Tools

Optical test equipment

Modeling software

Job description

Job Title: Optical Test Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%
Type of Travel: Continental US

The Opportunity

• Work for CACI, rated Fortune World\'s Most Admired Company -- recognized for the ninth consecutive year in 2026.
• Work with other highly skilled engineers testing, troubleshooting, and recommending design improvements for Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs). These OCTs are primarily for inter-satellite communication.
• Your work would be key to the advancement of space-based communication.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for designing, modeling, analyzing and testing optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components.
• Develop component specifications, tolerances, simulations and test procedures for electro-optical systems and components.
• Draft and follow assembly and test work instructions.
• Use methods to assure and verify optical design requirements are met.
• Must bring to bear optical knowledge to troubleshoot optical problems discovered during system testing.
• Communicate cross-functionally to develop and design project plans.

Qualifications

Required:

• Must have a minimum bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering (optical, electrical, mechanical) and 5 years of related experience.
• Must have a firm understanding of both free-space and guided-wave (fiber) optics.
• Must be able to design, build, and align optical test configurations.
• Must have a background in methods for stray light suppression.
• Must be an effective communicator (both written and verbal).
• Must be willing and able to travel to other CACI test sites within the US.

Desired

• Master’s degree in physics or optical engineering.
• Understanding of Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs).
• Skilled in fiber optic splicing.
• Proven skills in mathematical modeling for troubleshooting purposes.

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation\'s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The Proposed Salary Range For This Position Is

$86,600 - $181,800

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.