The Aerospace Corporation · 19 hours ago
Senior Optical Communications Engineer
Chantilly, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$129K/yr - $250K/yr
12+ years expThe Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. In this role, you will support the analysis, development, acquisition, integration, and testing of advanced optical satellite communication systems while collaborating with various stakeholders and customers.
AerospaceGovernmentInnovation ManagementMilitary
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Supporting the analysis, development, acquisition, integration and testing of advanced optical satellite communication systems, including associated ground optical terminal systems
Initiating studies, coordinating tasking, building/leading teams, performing technical studies, presenting results and interfacing with multiple stakeholders
Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers, including the National Reconnaissance Office
Demonstrating leadership and initiative to inform stakeholders of perceived technical problems and recommended courses of action, including technical studies, laboratory risk-reduction efforts and on-orbit testing
Acting as the organizations designated representative at program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics/Optics, or related technical discipline
Expertise in free-space optical satellite communications links, networks and system development and/or acquisition
8+ years of optical communications experience in link analysis, modeling & simulation and lab experience with fiber-optic communication systems or laser based optical/instrumentation systems
Willing to travel domestically as needed, estimated at approximately 10% of the time
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required
Demonstrated knowledge of optical modulation, coding, and framing formats, including relevant industry standards
Some knowledge of optical networking, e.g., data-center/enterprise networking, or telecom/undersea transport, or airborne/space networking domains
Experience generating or evaluating lasercom system designs down to the photonics component level
A total of 12+ years of experience in satellite communications links/networks, including direct experience in free-space optical communication development and acquisition programs
Experience building and leading teams during the advanced development, integration and testing of free-space optical satellite communication systems
Preferred
Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
Experience with our customers and knowledge of National Technical Means
Direct experience (3+ years) on space optical communication programs in the commercial, civil/DoD/IC domain, from either space and/or ground terminal aspect
Direct experience in the fiber-optic telecom industry, lidar/imaging optical systems, or satellite communications
Expertise with optical atmospheric effects and related mitigation techniques
Demonstrated strong analytical and team leadership and multi-tasking skills
Active TS/SCI clearance
Benefits
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
Company
The Aerospace Corporation
As the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tanya Pemberton
President & CEO
Ashley Kowalski
Project Leader - International Partnerships
Recent News
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