Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Fibertek Inc; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive and incentivized compensation package

Excellent benefits

Progressive learning environment

Job summary

A leading developer of laser and optical systems in Herndon, VA, is seeking a Senior Optical Communications Engineer. This role involves designing and building optical space terminals and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to support NASA and DOD missions. Candidates should have an MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics, along with at least seven years of hands-on experience in optical systems. A competitive compensation package with excellent benefits is offered in a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in optical systems.
• Ability to lead hardware builds for space flight applications.
• Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and RF systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and build optical space terminals.
• Coordinate a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Support design and qualification of laser communication systems.

Skills

Hands-on design and building of optical systems

Knowledge of telecommunications standards

Experience with modeling and simulation tools

Strong communication skills

Ability to develop innovative solutions

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

MATLAB

MATHCAD

ZEMAX

Job description

Senior Optical Communications Engineer - (24)

Location

Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Job Description

Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro‑optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Research and Development Division in Herndon, VA.

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand‑on building of space flight optical flight terminals, and leading the performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high‑profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands‑on experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to the successful completion of next generation laser communication terminals and optical modems while supporting multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short‑duration flight programs and long‑duration technology maturation programs.

Job Requirements

• MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands‑on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
• Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated.
• Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
• Ability to lead space flight hardware builds.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools.
• Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances.
• Experience with high‑speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems.
• Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity.

FIBERTEK, Inc. is a recognized leader in advanced lasers, lidars and laser communication systems providing our DoD, NASA and aerospace customers discriminating capabilities. We pride ourselves in our innovation and customer success focused culture enabled by a creative and relaxed work environment. Fibertek fosters a progressive learning environment that values inspiration, promotes professional challenge and encourages personal growth. We offer a competitive and incentivized compensation package with excellent benefits.

Fibertek, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and experience. Fibertek does not engage in nor permits any discrimination in the workplace.