Senior Optical Communications Engineer, Engineering Specialist / Senior Engineering Specialist

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.
Main-mission communication satellites, wideband links, command and telemetry, and terrestrial networks, along with their enabling technologies, are the domain of the Communication Technologies and Engineering Division (CTED). The division comprises all aspects, from architectures to implementation; our engineers work directly with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient communications. 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.
The Optical Communications Department within CTED applies lasercom technologies and concepts to unique challenges in the space domain and we are looking for a senior optical communications engineer to join our team and help to make a positive impact in our nation's space programs.
Take a tour of some our labs and capabilities in lasercom:
https://gallery.aerospace.org/wp-content/uploads/tours/OpticalComm/
Work Model: This position is 100% on-site.
This position can be filled as an Engineering Specialist or a Senior Engineering Specialist.
What You'll Be Doing

• Conducting specialized technical studies related to satellite lasercom and reports findings
• Initiating studies designed to solve new technical problems and provide new technical solutions related to lasercom
• Coordinating specific technical assignments for designated discipline or organizations. Provides technical advice to management, customers, and associate contractors
• Development of advanced analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for subsystems
• Providing ongoing technical consultation and advice to management, customers, and contractors in satellite optical communications
• Taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommends courses of action
• Supporting multiple programs and/or activities and may lead cross-organizational teams and organizes interfaces with customer and/or Aerospace program offices
• Participating in lasercom system validation and verification activities which may include modeling & simulation and testing
• Acting as organization's designated representative at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for an Engineering Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field
• 8 or more years of experience in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering
• Experience implementing or overseeing software development to aid in lasercom system architecture definition, requirements validation and verification, or performance modeling
• Experience presenting results, concepts and technical content internal customers, external customers and stakeholders possessing diverse technical backgrounds
• Experience with laser transmitters and technologies
• Experience with optical detectors and technologies
• Familiarity with developing and maintaining 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 domestically approximately 10% of the time
• Current Secret or Top Secret clearance with SSBI, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

Minimum Requirements for a Senior Engineering Specialist:

• All of the above requirements to include a total of 12 or more years of experience in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering
• Proven ability to produce influential documentation in the form of peer-reviewed publication, winning proposals, major acquisition documentation, industry standards, etc.
• Experience developing laser system end-to-end requirements and designs inclusive of transmitter, optical elements and receiver
• Extensive experience in satellite communication systems
• Experience developing and maintaining communications link and pointing error budgets

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
• Extensive experience developing laser or electro-optical pointing, acquisition and tracking requirements
• Extensive experience with optical communication system requirements definition, validation and verification related to modulation and coding

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 - Mid - Max)
$103,000 - $163,900 - $219,800
Pay Basis: Annual
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 [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.