Lead Systems Engineer - Aerospace

About the Role

Bright Silicon Technologies (Pleasanton, CA) is developing high-throughput Free-Space Optical (FSO) terminals designed for ultra-low latency airborne and tactical mesh networks. We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to own the architecture and system integration of our next-generation FSO flight terminals.

In this role, you will bridge higher-level mission concepts and physical flight hardware—translating high-level link budgets and functional block diagrams into flight-ready Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) payloads capable of sub-microradian optical lock under dynamic airborne conditions.

• Drive System Architecture & Optics ICDs: Translate mission requirements and government program goals into technical system specifications. Author comprehensive Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical boundaries for fast-tracking PAT optomechanical sub-assemblies.
• Transform Concepts into Flight/Mobile Hardware: Bridge the gap between system block diagrams and ruggedized physical hardware. Lead component selection, optical bench structural design, and optomechanical integration for SWaP-C optimized payloads deployed on mobile and airborne platforms.
• Lead Multidisciplinary Execution: Drive milestone execution, manage technical trade studies, and align development roadmaps with leadership and key defense/commercial partners for upcoming live tracking and optical comms flight demonstrations.
• Own System Integration & Flight Qualification
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  Design and oversee environmental, dynamic, and optical verification test plans (including jitter isolation, thermal-vacuum/ambient testing, and line-of-sight stability) to ensure payloads withstand field operation.

Core Technical Qualifications

• Education & Background: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Domain Expertise: 5+ years of hands‑on experience in precision optomechanical architecture, satellite-to-ground or inter‑satellite optical links (OISLs), lidar payloads, or airborne optical tracking systems.
• System Trade‑Offs & ICDs: Demonstrated experience establishing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across optical sub-assemblies, dynamic tracking gimbals, and high‑precision structural enclosures.
• System Modeling & Trade Studies: Proficiency taking high-level functional concepts and executing optical/mechanical system trade studies, tolerance budgets, and structural layouts using CAD, MATLAB, Zemax, or equivalent analytical tools.
• Test & Integration Expertise: Hands‑on experience creating and executing physical integration test plans, and environmental verification.
• Position will work on Government sensitive information (CUI and ITAR) requiring U.S. Person status (citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a protected individual)

• Direct experience with satellite constellation communications, optical inter‑satellite link (OISL) architectures, or SDA (Space Development Agency) optical standards.
• Packaging and integrating precision beam‑steering assemblies, fine‑pointing mirrors, MEMS arrays, high‑power fiber amplifier modules, or semiconductor laser transmitters.
• Familiarity with airborne and space environmental testing protocols (e.g., MIL-STD-810, DO-160, NASA-GEVS).
• Experience with closed‑loop PAT control loops and optical tracking algorithms under high‑dynamic jitter conditions.
• Experience with space-to-ground, air-to-air, or satellite‑based laser communications (OISL/FSO) architectures.
• Hands‑on optomechanical integration of beam‑steering arrays, fast‑steering mirrors (FSMs), transmitter/receiver optical assemblies, or semiconductor laser diode modules.
• Familiarity with thermal, structural (FEA), and stray light analysis for field‑deployed optical hardware.
• Track record of designing payloads to MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or NASA/SDA space/flight environmental qualification standards.

• Direct Hardware Ownership: Move fast without legacy aerospace bureaucracy. You will own the primary optomechanical architecture from initial optical…