Principal Optical Communications Architect
Core
Senior technical authority defining and developing end-to-end space-based optical communications (lasercomm) architectures for civil, commercial, and national security missions.
Role type
Principal Optical Communications Architect (Senior IC)
Builds
Next-generation lasercomm capabilities including space-to-space, space-to-ground, and ground-to-space link configurations.
Domain
Aerospace / Space Systems / Optical Engineering
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | infrastructure
Required skills
Free-space optical (FSO) system architecture, optical terminal (OCT) design, pointing acquisition and tracking (PAT), optical link budget analysis, end-to-end performance modeling, trade studies, spacecraft accommodation requirements, risk assessment, technical proposal development, systems of systems architecture
Preferred skills
Coherent optical communications, advanced modulation formats (DPSK, BPSK), atmospheric turbulence mitigation, constellation analysis, payload accommodation strategies, government proposal capture
Technologies
Optical telescopes, laser sources, high-rate modems, adaptive optics
Responsibilities
Lead architectural design of FSO communications systems; conduct trade studies and simulations to de-risk technologies; define subsystem-level expertise for optical terminals; establish link budgets and performance models; collaborate with program managers and business development teams; provide technical mentorship and represent the company at industry forums.
Seniority
Principal, hands-on IC with strategic influence
