Space Optical Communications Engineer (Coherent Transceivers)

Ephemeris Net; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

401(k) programming

Health care coverage

Unlimited PTO

Hybrid work model

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Ephemeris Net is seeking an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through the Ephemeris Net network, including coherent transceivers and the free-space optical assembly.

You will lead optical hardware end-to-end, across transceiver and free-space link, collaborating with EE and mechanical teams. This role reports to the CTO and founder Nicolas Brown, and requires hands-on experience in space-qualified optics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, photonics, or related field.
• 4+ years designing or building precision electro-optical instruments.
• Experience with coherent detection, free-space optics, or laser/fiber systems at component level.
• Proficiency with optical instrumentation and RF test equipment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble coherent transceiver optics from components.
• Design the free-space optical assembly including ray tracing, tolerancing, stray light analysis.
• Design the fiber optical layout, including alignment fixtures and opto-mechanical packaging.
• Own the transmit and receive signal chain performance from RF output through free-space link.

Skills

Optical engineering

Coherent detection

Ray tracing

Free-space optics

Fiber optics

RF/microwave tests

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related field

Tools

OSAs

Power meters

Interferometers

Beam profilers

Wavefront sensors

Job description

Ephemeris Net is seeking an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through the Ephemeris Net network, including coherent transceivers and the free-space optical assembly.

You will lead optical hardware end-to-end, across transceiver and free-space link, collaborating with EE and mechanical teams. This role reports to the CTO and founder Nicolas Brown, and requires hands-on experience in space-qualified optics.