Optical Engineer — Guided Wave Fiber

Bright Silicon Technologies (BST) develops precision optical systems built around our Light field Directing Array (LDA), a MEMS micromirror array for fast, precise control of light. Our OCTANE free-space optical communications terminal brings together free-space optics, fiber-based photonics, and communications hardware to enable high-bandwidth links between ground and airborne platforms.

We’re looking for an optical engineer to develop free-space and guided-wave optical systems for communications and sensing. You’ll design and integrate photonic and electro-optical hardware, from lasers and fiber coupling to amplifiers, detectors, and modem interfaces. Working with our mechanical, electrical, firmware, and communications engineers, you’ll help turn laboratory demonstrations into reliable systems for outdoor and mobile operation.

• Own the development of guided wave optical back-end subsystems for communications and sensing using BST’s LDA technology.
• Design, specify components and integrate free-space and fiber-optic hardware, including lenses, lasers, fiber coupling, beam-forming and monitoring optics, high power optical amplifiers (HPOAs), erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), and variable optical attenuators (VOAs).
• Evaluate and integrate optical modems and transceivers with photonic hardware, working with communications and firmware engineers on configuration, electronic and software interfaces, and end-to-end link testing.
• Develop optical metrology and calibration procedures to validate designs, characterize environmental and systematic errors, and improve communications and tracking performance.
• Design for the full product lifecycle, from commercial off-the-shelf bench demonstrations to production. Troubleshoot field issues and address applicable environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare clear technical documentation for internal use and external release.

• A bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 3 years experience designing guided-wave optical systems.
• Familiarity with optical communications modems and transceivers, including their interfaces, configuration, and role in end-to-end link performance.
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment, system alignment, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Clear communication and experience collaborating across engineering disciplines and distributed teams.
• A systems perspective and the attention to detail needed to resolve optical design and integration challenges.
• U.S. citizenship - Position works on government projects requiring US Citizenship.

• A master’s or doctoral degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience integrating free-space or fiber-coupled optical communications systems.
• Experience with SDA optical communications interfaces or reference modems such as COMET, or commercial optical modems for ground-to-ground and ground-to-air links.
• Experience with lidar, optical ranging, or aircraft and satellite payload integration.
• Experience with deformable mirrors, micromirror arrays, or other optical MEMS technology.
• Experience with electro-optical devices such as photodetectors, electro-optic modulators, spatial light modulators, or particle detectors.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At BST we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly…