Senior Optical Communications Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Senior Optical Communications Engineer to join the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), specifically within the Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD). This role involves supporting the analysis, development, acquisition, integration, and testing of advanced optical satellite communication systems and associated ground optical terminal systems. The position requires significant customer engagement, including frequent visits to local customer facilities. The engineer will initiate studies, coordinate tasks, build and lead teams, perform technical studies, present results, and interface with multiple stakeholders, supporting Civil, DoD, and intelligence community customers. The role also involves demonstrating leadership to inform stakeholders of technical issues and recommended solutions, and acting as a representative at program reviews and technical meetings.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics/Optics, or related technical discipline
- Expertise in free-space optical satellite communications links, networks and system development and/or acquisition
- 8+ years of optical communications experience in link analysis, modeling & simulation and lab experience with fiber-optic communication systems or laser based optical/instrumentation systems
- Willing to travel domestically as needed, estimated at approximately 10% of the time
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required
- Demonstrated knowledge of optical modulation, coding, and framing formats, including relevant industry standards
- Some knowledge of optical networking, e.g., data-center/enterprise networking, or telecom/undersea transport, or airborne/space networking domains
- Experience generating or evaluating lasercom system designs down to the photonics component level
- A total of 12+ years of experience in satellite communications links/networks, including direct experience in free-space optical communication development and acquisition programs
- Experience building and leading teams during the advanced development, integration and testing of free-space optical satellite communication systems
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
- Experience with our customers and knowledge of National Technical Means
- Direct experience (3+ years) on space optical communication programs in the commercial, civil/DoD/IC domain, from either space and/or ground terminal aspect
- Direct experience in the fiber-optic telecom industry, lidar/imaging optical systems, or satellite communications
- Expertise with optical atmospheric effects and related mitigation techniques
- Demonstrated strong analytical and team leadership and multi-tasking skills
- Active TS/SCI clearance
Responsibilities
- Supporting the analysis, development, acquisition, integration and testing of advanced optical satellite communication systems, including associated ground optical terminal systems
- Initiating studies, coordinating tasking, building/leading teams, performing technical studies, presenting results and interfacing with multiple stakeholders
- Supporting Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers, including the National Reconnaissance Office
- Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of perceived technical problems and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk-reduction efforts and on-orbit testing
- Acting as the organization's designated representative at program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
