Communications Systems Engineer - Optical/Quantum

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Intelligence Programs Group (IPG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, is a specialized provider of systems engineering and trusted advisory services to the Space and National Intelligence community.  We utilize mission-proven, data-driven advisory tools and capabilities.  We provide highly technical support to ensure the government acquires cutting edge technology necessary for our National Defense.  Our portfolio includes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  Come where you will be part of our high-caliber team!

Responsibilities

SPA has a immediate need for a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications engineering experience to support specialized analysis, engineering, design, and operations for Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We support development of next‑generation and far‑future national security systems across land, sea, air, and space domains. We are hiring a Communications Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an IC Research & Development (R&D) customer developing advanced hardware, software, and architectural solutions for mission‑critical optical and quantum communication systems.

• Perform detailed technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts across component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
• Evaluate designs and technologies such as optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, entanglement-based communication architectures, and quantum‑enhanced optical subsystems.
• Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high‑bandwidth space links, advanced modulation formats, pointing and tracking systems, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum‑enabled transport architectures.
• Support the creation of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for modernizing optical and quantum systems.
• Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture operational needs and determine the applicability of emerging capabilities.
• Prepare system engineering documentation, technical analyses, and program‑level briefings to convey findings and strategic recommendations.
• Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities such as source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearance at date of application
  • Please discuss specific polygraph requirements with an SPA Talent Acquisition professional
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline with 9+ years of experience; Masters and 7+ years of experience; PhD or JD and 4+ years of experience
• Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to report to designated work location in Chantilly, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline
• 12+ years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in optical or quantum communication systems
• 1+ year of experience supporting USG R&D acquisition processes and documentation
• Experience with space‑based optical terminals, quantum optical payloads, photonic systems, or advanced quantum‑enhanced communication architectures

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $160,000.00/Yr. - USD $215,000.00/Yr.