Optical 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 (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 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 contractors across the entirety of space systems lifecycles from early concept to on-orbit performance.

• Developing advanced testbeds, analytical techniques, concepts, and/or design criteria for lasercom subsystems.

• 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 – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university

• Eight or more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering

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

• Experience with laser transmitters and technologies

• Work with optical detectors and technologies

• Demonstrated ability to lead lasercom trade studies

• Experience working with 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 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 security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

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

• 12 or more years of experience in roles of increasing responsibility in engineering/scientific areas related to optical communications, satellites, and/or space systems engineering

• Leadership experience in laser communication programs

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SBI/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain this level of security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Background with optical communications and space hardware testing including development of testbeds, ground support test equipment, test programs and management of test program execution for lasercom, component, units, subsystems or systems

• Familiarity with atmosphere turbulence modeling and adaptive optics

• Knowledge of optical communication system requirements definition, validation and verification related to modulation and coding

• 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)

$144,500.00 - $264,600.00Pay 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:

• 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 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.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. 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.