Laser 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.

The Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED) represents the disciplines of communications, networking, and PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) in support of space missions, along with their enabling technologies. In our domain, CTED projects comprise all aspects, from architectures to prototypes to implementation, theoretical to hands-on.  Our engineers work directly with corporate and U.S. Government customers to ensure robust and resilient communications.

CTED’s Optical Communications Department applies lasercom technologies and concepts to unique challenges in the space domain. 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. We are looking for a Senior Member of Technical Staff - Optical Engineering to join our department.

Work Model:  This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conducting specialized satellite laser communications (lasercom) studies and reporting findings to internal and external customers.

• Providing technical advice to management, customers, and associate contractors across the entirety of space systems lifecycles from early concept to on-orbit performance.

• Developing advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for lasercom subsystems.

• Providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors in satellite optical communications.

• Participating in lasercom system validation and verification activities which may include modeling & simulation and testing.

• Engaging with impact: Taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommending courses of action for mission success.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Member of Technical Staff - Optical Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university

• 5 or more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering

• Experience planning and conducting technical work that requires judgement and independent evaluation

• Laser transmitters and technologies experience

• Work with optical detectors and technologies

• Demonstrated ability to support lasercom trade studies

• Familiarity with 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 occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically up to approximately 10% Remote Local (50-150 miles) or Remote Distant (>150 miles) if required

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

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

• Systems engineering applied to satellite communications or optical systems

• Development of laser or electro-optical pointing, acquisition and tracking requirements

• Proficient in developing laser system end-to-end requirements and designs inclusive of transmitter, optical elements and receiver

• Skilled with optical communication system requirements definition, validation and verification related to modulation and coding

• Strong capabilities in 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

• Adept in developing or managing development of specialized software tools in programming languages such as Matlab, Python, C++ or other used in lasercom related activities

• Current Secret or Top Secret clearance with SSBI or periodic reinvestigation completed within the last 5 years that resulted in clearance granted or maintained

• Current TS/SCI access with counterintelligence polygraph

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$110,400 - $195,500

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

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 Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.