Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Job Location s: US-VA-Herndon | US-CO-Aurora

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. This role provides technical expertise in laser‑based, free‑space optical communications and related technologies, ensures compliance with DoD guidelines, and collaborates across teams to drive project success. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge in free‑space optical communication systems, with strong analytical and communication skills.

The Optical Communications SE will be responsible for the following:

• Developing concepts of operations for optical SATCOM ground terminal systems.
• Reviewing, developing, analyzing, and allocating requirements for free‑space optical communication links and ground terminals.
• Developing and exercising performance models, including link budget analysis, atmospheric turbulence modeling, pointing/acquisition/tracking simulations, and mitigation techniques (e.g., adaptive optics, wavefront correction).
• Providing technical guidance on deploying optical SATCOM systems, including optical ground terminals, wavefront correction, acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) mechanisms, and atmospheric mitigation strategies.
• Supporting the integration of optical ground terminals into SATCOM architectures, collaborating with engineering teams on system design, testing, and validation.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field.
• Must have the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications, photonics, or related fields, with focus on free‑space optical systems and ground terminal applications.
• Proficient in free‑space optical system modeling and link analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex technical tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of optical communication challenges and mitigations, including atmospheric mitigation, pointing, acquisition and tracking, and link analysis.
• Exposure to SATCOM or defense‑related optical communication projects, particularly involving ground terminals.
• Experience with DoD lifecycle management processes for SATCOM systems from engineering design, integration, and test to deployment, operations and sustainment.

$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.