Senior Optical Communications Engineer

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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 our 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

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at Chantilly, VA. The opportunity includes significant engagement with customers, requiring frequent visits to local customer facilities.

$ - $ (Annual)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment:
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at  or by email lbox.