Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer

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

If you’re excited about building the future of connectivity in space, we’d love to talk.

The next space race is not about rockets. It’s about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on‑orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high‑speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next‑generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter‑satellite connectivity and on‑orbit data transport.