Optical Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

5d•$129,000 - $249,600•Onsite

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a laser communications engineer (Engineering Specialist) for its Optical Communications Department within the Mission Payloads Division. The department provides technical leadership to U.S. Government laser communications activities, supporting programs from concept and requirements development through technology maturation, engineering, production, deployment, and sustainment. The role focuses on developing robust and resilient optical satellite communications solutions for space-enabled missions. The selected candidate will work full time on-site at the facility in El Segundo, California. Responsibilities include leading laser communications validation and verification, evaluating ground and space system architectures, conducting studies, advising stakeholders across the space-system lifecycle, and developing testbeds and analytical approaches. Occasional travel to a work location or customer site may be required, up to approximately 10%. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field and at least eight years of related experience. A senior-level variant requires at least 12 years of experience and leadership experience in laser communications programs. The role requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. Senior-level clearance requirements include Top Secret/SBI/SCI. The annual grade-based pay range is $129,000 to $249,600. Benefits include health and wellness plans, paid holidays and leave, retirement contributions and matching, flexible spending accounts, variable pay, relocation assistance, professional development, and education assistance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university.
At least eight years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering or scientific areas 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.
Willingness to travel occasionally to a work location or customer site, domestically, up to approximately 10%.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: at least 12 years of related experience in roles of increasing responsibility.
For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: leadership experience in laser communications programs.
For the Senior Engineering Specialist level: ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SBI/SCI security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Background in optical communications and space hardware testing, including development of testbeds, ground support test equipment, 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 architectures through testing or analysis of gimbals, telescopes, optical heads, adaptive optics 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 throughout the space systems lifecycle, from early concept through on-orbit performance.
Develop advanced testbeds, analytical techniques, concepts, and/or 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 based on years of service and 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.