Quantum Optical Communications Engineer

VT Group (VTG); Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

VTG in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications experience to support IC and DoD customers in analysis, design, and operations for next‑generation national security systems.

Responsibilities include technical reviews, design evaluation of optical/quantum components, roadmap development, verification approaches, and mission-focused briefings to communicate findings and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with nine+ years experience (Masters 7+; PhD/JD 4+).
• Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing skills; able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development at component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
• Evaluate designs and technologies including optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, and quantum-enabled architectures.
• Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high-bandwidth space links, modulation formats, pointing/tracking systems, link budgets, and networking performance.
• Support roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for optical and quantum system modernization.
• Conduct outreach with mission users to capture needs and evaluate applicability of optical and quantum capabilities.
• Prepare system engineering documentation, analyses, and program-level briefings.
• Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities, including source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.

Skills

Optical communications

Quantum communications

Systems engineering

Technical communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline

Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline

PhD or JD

Job description

VTG in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications experience to support IC and DoD customers in analysis, design, and operations for next‑generation national security systems.

Responsibilities include technical reviews, design evaluation of optical/quantum components, roadmap development, verification approaches, and mission-focused briefings to communicate findings and recommendations.