Optical Communications Software Engineer - Modem Integration

Bright Silicon Technologies • Pleasanton, CA

3d • $120,000 - $220,000

About The Position

Bright Silicon Technologies (BST) develops precision optical systems built around its Lightfield Directing Array (LDA), a MEMS micromirror array for fast, precise control of light. Its OCTANE free-space optical communications terminal combines free-space optics, fiber-based photonics, and communications hardware to enable high-bandwidth links between ground and airborne platforms.

The Optical Communications Software Engineer will own modem integration and communications software for OCTANE. The role involves developing software to configure and monitor the modem, connect it to the terminal’s data interfaces, and manage link operation and recovery. The engineer will work with photonics, firmware, controls, and hardware teams to advance a laboratory system toward reliable outdoor and mobile operation, targeting Space Development Agency (SDA) interoperability.

BST is an engineer-led company focused on commercializing the Lightfield Directing Array for applications including laser communications, optical switching for data centers, lidar, and additive manufacturing. The company offers competitive compensation, equity incentives, and an emphasis on long-term work/life balance. Individual pay depends on job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Target compensation is $120,000–$220,000, plus bonus, equity, and benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least three years of modem integration and communications software development experience.
• Strong C/C++ skills.
• Experience developing and debugging software on Linux or real-time embedded platforms.
• Hands-on experience integrating communications hardware and debugging hardware/software interfaces using logs, telemetry, protocol captures, and laboratory measurements.
• Experience using Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of communications performance measurements.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with SDA OCT standards, compliant optical terminals, or modem and terminal interoperability testing.
• Experience with COMET or other optical communications modems, including configuration, telemetry, and host integration.
• Experience with free-space or fiber-optic communications, including optical link budgets, receiver sensitivity, and effects of changing received power.
• Familiarity with communications or modem DSP, including modulation, synchronization, framing, forward error correction, or equalization.
• Experience integrating software with FPGA-based systems, including register interfaces and data paths.
• Experience validating link state machines and fault recovery through hardware-in-the-loop testing or field demonstrations on mobile platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own modem software integration for the free-space optical communications terminal.
• Develop C/C++ software for modem configuration, telemetry, host interfaces, network interfaces, and data transfer.
• Define software interfaces and acceptance criteria, including applicable SDA Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) requirements.
• Coordinate link states and timing with pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) software.
• Implement link state machines, startup and shutdown sequences, fault handling, and recovery after fades or interruptions.
• Build Python tools and automated bench and hardware-in-the-loop tests.
• Measure throughput, latency, packet loss, and bit error rate to verify link performance.
• Troubleshoot issues across software, embedded interfaces, modem behavior, interfaces with the next level up in the network, and optical performance.
• Work with photonics, firmware, controls, and hardware engineers to advance the system toward reliable outdoor and mobile operation.

Benefits

• Equity incentive plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with other voluntary benefits
• 3% employer contribution to employee 401(k)
• Development and career growth opportunities
• Generous paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Bonus
• Equity

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level