Job Title Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)

Salary Range: $150,000 - $210,000 annually

Job Description We are a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for NASA, DoD, and commercial customers. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Research and Development Division in Herndon, VA.

As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom systems design, leading hand-on building of space flight optical flight terminals, and leading the performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions. You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to the successful completion of next generation laser communication terminals and optical modems while supporting multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.

Job Requirements

• MS or PhD. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 7 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
• Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices associated.
• Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance.
• Ability to lead space flight hardware builds.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools.
• Developing and setting requirements and design tolerances.
• Experience with high-speed electrical circuits and radio frequency systems.
• Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity.

Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option.