Laser communications systems engineer

Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer

Location: Dayton, Ohio/Remote
Type: Full-time
Clearance: Optional – e.g., U.S. Citizen/Eligible for Clearance

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer /Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. You will work at the intersection of photonics, laser systems, and space/airborne communications to build next-generation terminals for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms.

• Lead architecture and design of laser communication terminals and subsystems, including optical benches, beam steering modules, and acquisition/tracking mechanisms.
• Develop link budgets, simulate end-to-end optical communication performance, and optimize for SWaP-C constraints.
• Drive component selection, integration, and system-level validation (e.g., lasers, modulators, beam expanders, fiber optics).
• Collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, and software teams to integrate optical comm systems into airborne or space-qualified platforms.
• Support optical alignment, calibration, and test (including pointing, tracking, and acquisition) in lab and field settings.
• Engage in customer briefings, system requirement definition, and roadmap planning for optical comm architectures.
• Author technical documents, system specs, and support IP and proposal development.

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in free-space optical communication or directed energy systems.
• Hands-on expertise in laser systems, optical alignment, and fiber-coupled systems.
• Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and MATLAB/Python.
• Experience with optical communication protocols and pointing/tracking systems for free space optical communication or other applications.
• Understanding optical link impairments, turbulence effects, and acquisition/tracking strategies.

• Experience with space-qualified optical systems or flight hardware.
• Knowledge of standards like CCSDS or optical inter-satellite link (OISL) protocols.
• Familiarity with SWIR/MWIR optics, MEMS beam steering, or Risley prisms.
• Background in secure communications, encryption, or waveform design.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

• Competitive compensation and equity packages
• Technical leadership in a rapidly advancing application space
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications
• Opportunities for technical growth, system-level ownership, and leadership
• Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact