Laser Communication 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!

We are seeking to hire a laser communications engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff or Engineering Specialist) to join the Optical Communications Department. The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities that involve laser communications (lasercom). We support programs and activities from initial concept and requirements development through technology maturation, risk reduction, engineering, manufacturing, production, deployment and sustainment phases. The Optical Communications Department works with corporate customers to ensure robust and resilient optical SATCOM solutions are available and best-suited to augmenting space-enabled missions.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Leading lasercom system validation and verification activities which may include testing, modeling & simulation
- Developing and demonstrating innovative solutions to the most challenging problems in laser communication
- Evaluating ground and space laser communication system architectures through testing and or analysis of elements including the gimbal, telescope, optical head, adaptive optic system, and modem
- Conducting specialized satellite laser communications (lasercom) studies and reporting findings to internal and external customers
- Providing technical advice to management, customers, and associate contractors across the entirety of space systems lifecycles from early concept to on-orbit performance
- Engaging with impact: Taking initiative to inform management of perceived technical problems and recommending courses of action for mission success

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff- Optical Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or equivalent STEM discipline is required, with a minimum of five or more years of increasing, applicable professional experience in optical engineering
- Experience with laser transmitters, optical detectors and technologies
- Demonstrated ability to support lasercom trade studies
- Familiarity with communications link and pointing error budgets
- Willing to travel occasionally to work location or customer site/domestically up to approximately 10% Remote Local (50-150 miles) or Remote Distant (>150 miles) if required
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI SSBI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

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

- Eight or more years of increasing, applicable professional experience in optical or communication systems engineering with relevance to lasercom
- Demonstrated technical leadership experience including leading design reviews, and guiding multi-disciplinary teams
- Proven track record of delivering optical system solutions for space programs

- History of high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative

How You Can Stand Out

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

- Experience with atmosphere turbulence modeling and adaptive optics
- Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university
- Professional background supporting systems engineering applied to satellite communications or optical systems
- Experience developing laser or electro-optical pointing, acquisition and tracking requirements
- Success supporting or leading laser system end-to-end requirements and designs inclusive of transmitter, optical elements and receiver
- Demonstrated ability to lead trade studies related to optical communications receiver designs
- Proven skills developing or managing development of specialized software tools in programming languages such as Matlab, Python, C++ or other used in lasercom related activities
- Current Secret or Top Secret clearance with SSBI or periodic reinvestigation completed within the last 5 years that resulted in clearance granted or maintained
- Current TS/SCI access with counterintelligence polygraph

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 - Max)
$129,000.00 - $249,600.00

Pay Basis: Annual

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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

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Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

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Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

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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

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Flexible spending accounts

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Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

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Relocation assistance

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Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

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Education assistance programs

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An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various 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.