Senior Optical Communications Engineer

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. 

The Communications and Signal Analysis Department (CSAD) performs analysis, modeling and simulation of radio/optical communication and signal collection systems. We support a multitude of space and intelligence customers in the prototyping, development, integration and testing of new capabilities ranging from new waveforms to new systems.  We currently have an opportunity within CSAD for a Senior Optical Communications Engineer as an Engineering Specialist or Senior Engineering Specialist, as detailed below. Within CSAD, we value the continuous development of staff technical and professional skills, to encourage employee career growth, technical contributions, and customer program impact across the national security intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (IS&R) enterprise.

Work Model: This position is 100% on-site in Chantilly, VA with little to no teleworking available, due to the classified nature of the work we perform. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting the analysis, development, acquisition, integration and testing of advanced optical satellite communication systems, and associated ground optical terminal system
• Initiating studies, coordinating tasking, leading teams, performing technical studies, presenting results and interfacing with multiple stakeholders, across the technology, hardware/software development, integration & testing, optical propagation effects in atmosphere, and concept-of-operations.
• Supporting our Civil, DoD and intelligence community customers, including the National Reconnaissance Office
• Taking initiative to inform stakeholders of perceived technical problems and recommended courses of action, including associated modeling & simulation demonstration, and/or risk-reduction lab activities
• Acting as the organizations designated representative at program review meetings, technical meetings, presentations and symposia

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics/Optics, or related technical discipline
• Expertise in free-space optical satellite communications links / networks
• Eight or more years of experience in optical communications link analysis, modeling & simulation tools/software, and lab experience with fiber-optic communication systems, or laser based optical/instrumentation systems
• Willing to travel domestically 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 for fiber-optic and free space optical links, and relevant industry standards..
• Working knowledge of optical networking, from the data-center/enterprise networking, or telecom/undersea transport, or the airborne/space networking domains
• Generate and/or evaluate lasercom system designs down to the photonics component level. 

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist include: 

• Twelve or more years of experience in satellite communications links/networks, including direct experience in free-space optical communication programs.
• Experience leading teams during the advanced development, integration and testing of free-space optical satellite communication systems

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• 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
• Work in the fiber-optic telecom industry, or in optical systems for lidar/imaging systems, or in Satellite Communications
• Demonstrated strong analytical and team leadership and multi-tasking skills
• Active TS/SCI

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.