Senior Optical Communications Engineer Free-Space & Space Systems

The Aerospace Corporation; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Paid holidays

Telework options

401(k) plan

Education assistance

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA seeks an Optical Communications Engineer to advance free-space optical satellite links for civil/DoD/IC programs. You’ll analyze, simulate, test and integrate ground terminal systems and support customer engagements across multiple domains.

Requirements include a bachelor’s in electrical engineering or physics/optics, 6+ years in optical comms, ability to travel ~10%, and eligibility for U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Six or more years of optical communications experience in link analysis, modeling & simulation and lab experience with fiber-optic communication systems or laser based optical/instrumentation systems.
• Willing to travel domestically as needed (~10%).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of optical modulation, coding, and framing formats, including relevant industry standards.
• Some knowledge of optical networking (data-center/enterprise networking, telecom/undersea transport, or airborne/space networking).
• Experience generating or evaluating lasercom system designs down to the photonics component level.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Free-space optical comms

Modeling & simulation

Photonics components

Optical modulation/coding

U.S. citizenship

Security clearance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics/Optics, or related field

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation in Chantilly, VA seeks an Optical Communications Engineer to advance free-space optical satellite links for civil/DoD/IC programs. You’ll analyze, simulate, test and integrate ground terminal systems and support customer engagements across multiple domains.

Requirements include a bachelor’s in electrical engineering or physics/optics, 6+ years in optical comms, ability to travel ~10%, and eligibility for U.S. security clearance.