Optical Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a laser communications engineer (Engineering Specialist) to join its Optical Communications Department within the Mission Payloads Division. The department provides technical leadership to U.S. Government laser communications activities and supports programs from concept and requirements development through technology maturation, engineering, production, deployment, and sustainment. The role develops and evaluates resilient optical satellite communications solutions for space-enabled missions. The selected candidate is required to work full time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California. Occasional domestic travel to a work location or customer site, up to approximately 10%, may be required.

The position may be filled at Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist level. The senior level requires 12 or more years of relevant experience, leadership experience in laser communication programs, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SBI/SCI security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for the applicable security clearances.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university.
• At least 8 years of experience in increasingly responsible engineering or scientific roles related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering.
• History of innovation, creativity, and initiative.
• Experience with laser transmitters and related technologies.
• Experience working with optical detectors and related technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead laser communications trade studies.
• Experience with communications link and pointing error budgets.
• Ability to manage or support photonic or optical testing activities that characterize system, subsystem, unit, and component performance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• For Senior Engineering Specialist: at least 12 years of relevant experience, leadership experience in laser communications programs, and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SBI/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for this clearance.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to a work location or customer site domestically, up to approximately 10%.

Nice To Haves

• Background in optical communications and space hardware testing, including development of testbeds, ground support test equipment, and test programs, and management of test program execution for laser communications components, units, subsystems, or systems.
• Familiarity with atmospheric turbulence modeling and adaptive optics.
• Knowledge of optical communication system requirements definition, validation, and verification related to modulation and coding.
• Current TS/SCI access with counterintelligence polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Lead laser communications system validation and verification activities, potentially including testing and modeling and simulation.
• Develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to challenging laser communications problems.
• Evaluate ground and space laser communications system architectures through testing or analysis of gimbals, telescopes, optical heads, adaptive optical systems, and modems.
• Conduct specialized satellite laser communications studies and report findings to internal and external customers.
• Provide technical advice to management, customers, and contractors across space system lifecycles, from early concept through on-orbit performance.
• Develop advanced testbeds, analytical techniques, concepts, and design criteria for laser communications subsystems.
• Inform management of perceived technical problems and recommend courses of action to support mission success.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

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