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 the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration.   With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions.  Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

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-