Staff Optical Communications Engineer
Core
Design, develop, and deliver end-to-end architecture for deep-space optical communications terminals to enable interplanetary scientific missions.
Role type
Staff Optical Communications Engineer
Builds
Deep-space optical communications terminals and subsystems for interplanetary science missions
Domain
Aerospace / Deep-space optical communications
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work
Required skills
Laser communications, optical systems engineering, spacecraft communications system development, electromechanical prototyping, PAT (pointing, acquisition, tracking), photonic hardware, system integration, qualification testing
Preferred skills
Spaceflight hardware environmental testing, NASA/commercial spacecraft systems engineering processes, deep-space avionics systems
Technologies
Optics, electronics, mechanical subsystems (gimbals, pointing mechanisms, precision mounts), modems
Responsibilities
Translate mission needs into system performance requirements, develop architectures, drive implementation through in-house design or external partnerships, lead hands-on development campaigns to evaluate technologies and validate performance, work across internal and external teams to turn concepts into hardware
Seniority
Staff, hands-on IC with strategic ownership