Lead Optical Systems Engineer

Job Title:

Lead Optical Systems Engineer

Job Category:
Engineering

Time Type:
Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start:
None

Employee Type:
Regular

Percentage of

Travel Required:

Up to 10%

Type of Travel:
Continental US

* * *

CACI is looking for a Lead Optical Systems Engineer in our Space LOB, supporting our photonics team-- we are expanding! Our laser communications technology is helping NASA provide high-definition video from the International Space Station, and to explore asteroids 250 million miles away. Our other optical technology can also help scientists discover biohazards; support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and protect soldiers from explosive devices.

Do you have a passion for innovation?

• Develop innovative optical solutions related to optical communications, optical remote sensing, communications, optical amplifiers, and optical tracking.
• Experienced system architect with a proven ability to define system-level requirements and translate them into actionable subsystem and control requirements.
• Expertise in control system design using both classical and modern methods, with a strong foundation in feedback control theory, state estimation, and system dynamics.
• Hands-on experience developing, implementing, tuning, and validating control laws, filters, and estimators on physical hardware.
• Strong background in pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems for laser communication terminals or other high-precision optical or aerospace platforms.
• Experience controlling fast steering mirrors, gimbals, fine/coarse pointing systems, and other precision stabilization devices.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink and Python for control design, analysis, simulation, and test automation.
• Skilled in building and using simulation environments to evaluate closed-loop performance, including hardware-in-the-loop integration and testing.
• Experience defining sensing and actuation architectures, control interfaces, and data rate requirements for high-performance systems.
• Proven ability to collaborate across software, hardware, and test teams to integrate and mature control systems from concept through validation.
• Troubleshooting of optical system and subsystem failures.
• Development of test procedures and test stations.
• Support transition of engineering prototypes into production.
• Support field testing with occasional travel to off-site and out of state locations.
• Recommend and initiate process improvements and overall development practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (preferably Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering or Physics) with at least 15 years of applicable experience or a PhD with at least 10 years of industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of controls and optical systems
• Excellent hands‑on and laboratory skills in building, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of optical, fiber optic, electrical, and/or mechanical subsystems.
• Proactive, organized, self‑motivated individual, requiring minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a US government clearance at the level required to perform in the position.

• Experience with spaceflight hardware a plus
• Working understanding of optical communications including common modulation formats, photo‑receiver sensitivities and noise analysis

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high‑performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

Together, we will advance our nation’s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your…