Space Optical Engineer: Coherent & Free-Space Transceivers

Ephemeris Net; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Generous equity package

401k program

Comprehensive health care coverage

Unlimited PTO

Up to 25% travel

Small team environment

Job summary

Ephemeris Net, a pre-seed space networking company in El Segundo, CA, seeks an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of optical systems, including coherent transceivers and free-space assemblies.

You will lead end-to-end optical hardware, from RF signals through the free-space link to RF return, supported by a dedicated EE and mechanical team, with a clear path from breadboard to space-qualified terminal.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, applied physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4+ years of hands‑on experience designing or building robust, precision electro-optical instruments in fiber, free space, or both
• Working knowledge of coherent detection architectures (IQ modulation/demodulation, balanced detection, optical hybrid operation), free-space optical design (ray tracing, tolerancing, stray light), or laser and fiber systems at the component level
• Proficiency with optical instrumentation (OSAs, power meters, interferometers, collimated beams, wavefront sensors, beam profilers) and RF and microwave test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Responsibilities

• Design and assemble coherent transceiver optics from components: optical modulators, optical hybrids, photodetectors
• Design the free-space optical assembly including optical design and ray tracing: tolerancing, ghost analysis, and stray light analysis to close on-orbit link budgets
• Design the fiber optical layout, including alignment fixtures and opto-mechanical packaging
• Own the transmit and receive signal chain performance from RF electrical output through free-space launch and from free-space back to RF electrical
• Develop and execute bench-level test plans for the transceiver and free-space assembly: modulation quality (EVM, constellation diagrams), wavefront quality, noise figure, bandwidth, optical power budgets, thermalization
• Characterize coherent detection performance: receiver sensitivity, common-mode rejection, and phase noise
• Verify free-space optical performance: wavefront error, encircled energy, pointing stability, stray light rejection

Skills

Optical design

Coherent detection

Ray tracing

Free-space optics

Fiber optics

RF/MW test equipment

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or related field

Tools

Optical instrumentation (OSAs)

Interferometers

Spectral analyzers

Ray-tracing software

Job description

Ephemeris Net, a pre-seed space networking company in El Segundo, CA, seeks an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of optical systems, including coherent transceivers and free-space assemblies.

You will lead end-to-end optical hardware, from RF signals through the free-space link to RF return, supported by a dedicated EE and mechanical team, with a clear path from breadboard to space-qualified terminal.