Lead Systems Engineer - Aerospace

Bright Silicon Technologies•Pleasanton, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Bright Silicon Technologies (Pleasanton, CA) is developing high-throughput Free-Space Optical (FSO) terminals designed for ultra-low latency airborne and tactical mesh networks. We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to own the architecture and system integration of our next-generation FSO flight terminals. In this role, you will bridge higher-level mission concepts and physical flight hardware—translating high-level link budgets and functional block diagrams into flight-ready Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) payloads capable of sub-microradian optical lock under dynamic airborne conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
5+ years of hands-on experience in precision optomechanical architecture, satellite-to-ground or inter-satellite optical links (OISLs), lidar payloads, or airborne optical tracking systems.
Demonstrated experience establishing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across optical sub-assemblies, dynamic tracking gimbals, and high-precision structural enclosures.
Proficiency taking high-level functional concepts and executing optical/mechanical system trade studies, tolerance budgets, and structural layouts using CAD, MATLAB, Zemax, or equivalent analytical tools.
Hands-on experience creating and executing physical integration test plans, and environmental verification.
This position will work on Government sensitive information (CUI and ITAR) requiring U.S. Person status (citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a protected individual).

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with satellite constellation communications, optical inter-satellite link (OISL) architectures, or SDA (Space Development Agency) optical standards.
Packaging and integrating precision beam-steering assemblies, MEMS arrays, high-power fiber amplifier modules, or semiconductor laser transmitters.
Familiarity with airborne and space environmental testing protocols (e.g., MIL-STD-810, DO-160, NASA-GEVS).
Experience with closed-loop PAT control loops and optical tracking algorithms under high-dynamic jitter conditions.
Experience with space-to-ground, air-to-air, or satellite-based laser communications (OISL/FSO) architectures.
Hands-on optomechanical integration of beam-steering arrays, fast-steering mirrors (FSMs), transmitter/receiver optical assemblies, or semiconductor laser diode modules.
Familiarity with thermal, structural (FEA), and stray light analysis for field-deployed optical hardware.
Track record of designing payloads to MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or NASA/SDA space/flight environmental qualification standards.

Responsibilities

Drive System Architecture & Optics ICDs: Translate mission requirements and government program goals into technical system specifications. Author comprehensive Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical boundaries for fast-tracking PAT optomechanical sub-assemblies.
Transform Concepts into Flight/Mobile Hardware: Bridge the gap between system block diagrams and ruggedized physical hardware. Lead component selection, optical bench structural design, and optomechanical integration for SWaP-C optimized payloads deployed on mobile and airborne platforms.
Lead Multidisciplinary Execution: Drive milestone execution, manage technical trade studies, and align development roadmaps with leadership and key defense/commercial partners for upcoming live tracking and optical comms flight demonstrations.
Own System Integration & Flight Qualification : Design and oversee environmental, dynamic, and optical verification test plans (including jitter isolation, thermal-vacuum/ambient testing, and line-of-sight stability) to ensure payloads withstand field operation.