Senior Optical Communications Engineer

aero; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 249,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

401(k) Plan with matching contributions

Education assistance programs

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA is looking for an Engineering Specialist to support optical satellite communication systems. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 8 years of experience in optical communications.

The role involves both hands-on work and customer engagement, focusing on developing innovative solutions. Strong leaders are encouraged as the job requires interacting with various stakeholders and leading technical studies.

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits are offered, aligning with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics/Optics or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of optical communications experience.
• Knowledge of optical modulation, coding and framing formats.

Responsibilities

• Support analysis, development, and testing of optical satellite communication systems.
• Lead teams and perform technical studies.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Optical communications

Link analysis

Modeling & simulation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward it to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) performs analysis, modeling and simulation of radio/optical communications and signal collection/processing (SIGINT) systems. We support a multitude of space and intelligence customers in the prototyping, development, integration and testing of new capabilities, ranging from new waveforms to new systems. We currently have an opportunity within CSAD for optical communications engineering expertise, as detailed below.

Work Model

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA. The opportunity includes significant engagement with customers, requiring frequent visits to local customer facilities.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the analysis, development, acquisition, integration and testing of advanced optical satellite communication systems, including associated ground optical terminal systems
• Initiating studies, coordinating tasking, building/leading teams, performing technical studies, presenting results and interfacing with multiple stakeholders
• Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers, including the National Reconnaissance Office
• Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of perceived technical problems and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk-reduction efforts and on-orbit testing
• Acting as the organization's designated representative at program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia

What You Need to be Successful – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics/Optics, or related technical discipline
• Expertise in free-space optical satellite communications links, networks and system development and/or acquisition
• 8+ years of optical communications experience in link analysis, modeling & simulation and laboratory experience with fiber‑optic communication systems or laser‑based optical/instrumentation systems
• Willing to travel domestically as needed, estimated at approximately 10% of the time
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required
• Demonstrated knowledge of optical modulation, coding, and framing formats, including relevant industry standards
• Some knowledge of optical networking, e.g., data‑center/enterprise networking, or telecom/undersea transport, or airborne/space networking domains
• Experience generating or evaluating lasercom system designs down to the photonics component level

Senior Engineering Specialist Minimum Requirements

• A total of 12+ years of experience in satellite communications links/networks, including direct experience in free‑space optical communication development and acquisition programs
• Experience building and leading teams during the advanced development, integration and testing of free‑space optical satellite communication systems

How You Can Stand Out

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Experience with our customers and knowledge of National Technical Means
• Direct experience (3+ years) on space optical communication programs in the commercial, civil/DoD/IC domain, from either space and/or ground terminal aspect
• Direct experience in the fiber‑optic telecom industry, lidar/imaging optical systems, or satellite communications
• Expertise with optical atmospheric effects and related mitigation techniques
• Demonstrated strong analytical and team leadership and multi-tasking skills
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Compensation

$129,000.00 - $249,600.00 Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [e-mail]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.