Senior Optical Communications Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe. Job Summary The Optical Communications Office applies lasercom technologies and concepts to unique challenges in the space domain. Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division. The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications. We support the United States Space Force, other Department of Defense elements and civil customers seeking to deploy and maintain laser communications in the space and terrestrial domains. Join our team and help to make a positive impact on our nation's space programs. Take a tour of some our labs and capabilities in lasercom: https://gallery.aerospace.org/wp-content/uploads/tours/OpticalComm/ **This position can be filled as an Aerospace Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist based on experience** What You’ll Be Doing Conducting specialized technical studies related to satellite lasercom and reports findings. Initiating studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions related to lasercom. Coordinating specific technical assignments for designated discipline or organizations. Provides technical advice to management, customers, and associate contractors. Development of advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for subsystems. Providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors in satellite optical communications. Taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action. Supporting multiple programs and/or activities and may lead cross-organizational teams and organizes interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices. Participating in lasercom system validation and verification activities which may include modeling & simulation and testing. Acting as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia. What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university 8 or more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering Exhibits a high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers Demonstrated ability to implement or oversee software development to aid in lasercom system architecture definition, requirements validation and verification, or performance modeling Experience presenting results, concepts and technical content internal customers, external customers and stakeholders possessing diverse technical backgrounds Experience with laser transmitters and technologies Experience with optical detectors and technologies Demonstrated ability to support lasercom trade studies Familiarity with developing and maintaining communications link and pointing error budgets Proven ability to manage or support photonic or optical testing activities that characterize system, subsystem, unit and component performance Willing to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time Current Secret or Top Secret clearance with SSBI or periodic reinvestigation completed within the last 5 years that resulted in clearance granted or maintained Minimum Requirements for Consideration as an Engineering Specialist (in addition) Minimum Requirements: 12 or more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering Exhibits an exceptionally high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers Widely recognized internally and externally by peers, management, Government customers, and associate contractors for technical contributions to lasercom and/or satellite communications Extensive experience presenting results, concepts and technical content internal customers, external customers and stakeholders possessing diverse technical backgrounds Proven ability to produce influential documentation in the form of peer-reviewed publication, winning proposals, major acquisition documentation, industry standards, etc. Extensive experience with laser transmitters and technologies Extensive experience with optical detectors and technologies Demonstrated ability to lead lasercom trade studies Experience developing laser system end-to-end requirements and designs inclusive of transmitter, optical elements and receiver Extensive experience in satellite communication systems Experience developing and maintaining communications link and pointing error budgets Proven ability to manage or support photonic or optical testing activities that characterize system, subsystem, unit and component performance Willing to travel domestically approximately 10% of the time How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university Extensive experience in systems engineering applied to satellite communications or optical systems Extensive experience developing laser or electro-optical pointing, acquisition and tracking requirements Extensive experience with optical communication system requirements definition, validation and verification related to modulation and coding Demonstrated ability to lead trade studies related to optical communications receiver designs Experience with optical communications and space hardware testing including development of testbeds, ground support test equipment, test programs and management of test program execution for lasercom, component, units, subsystems or systems Extensive experience developing or managing development of specialized software tools in programming languages such as Matlab, Python, C or other used in lasercom related activities Current TS/SCI access with counterintelligence polygraph Ways We Reward Our Employees During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits. Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include: 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 We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation. Equal Opportunity Commitment The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.