Optical Communication Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Optical Communication Engineer

Position Summary:

The Optical Communication Engineer is responsible for the administration, design, development, and implementation of cutting‑edge optical systems for satellite communications (SATCOM). This role focuses on planning, performance evaluation, and integration of SATCOM hardware and software subsystems, providing critical input on future configurations, upgrades, and installations while supporting multiple complex projects in parallel.

The engineer applies advanced optical, photonics, and networking principles to develop clear, testable requirements for space‑based optical communication systems and networks. Core responsibilities include designing novel high‑bandwidth optical links for data transfer between spacecraft, performing terrestrial and laboratory‑based validation and characterization of optical terminals and subsystems, and supporting the design, integration, and testing of space‑qualified communication and networking architectures. The engineer also leads the exploration and assessment of advanced communication techniques (e.g., coherent and wavelength‑division optical links, high‑rate lasercom) and investigates optical‑based technologies for ground and space infrastructure to ensure robust, scalable, and future‑ready SATCOM capabilities.

Position Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize high-power fiber laser systems, pre-amplifier and amplifier systems (including Master Oscillator Power Amplifier architectures), and advanced optical subsystems for satellite communications.
• Conduct rigorous terrestrial and laboratory-based testing of laser-optics communication systems, electro-optical setups, and tracking/imaging systems under simulated optical turbulence and atmospheric conditions.
• Utilize industry-standard optical design software (such as Zemax and CODE V) to model, simulate, and design complex laser and optical propagation paths, as well as additive manufacturing/sensor integration systems.
• Deliver detailed technical progress reports, performance metrics, and system documentation through active engagement with key stakeholders on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Shares ideas and experiences with others, solicits feedback and asks relevant questions.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees.

Position Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Engineering, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• 5+ years of previous experience with fiber‑optic and laser‑based systems for optical communications and sensing.
• Design, build, and test high‑power fiber amplifiers and MOPA systems using double‑clad, large‑mode‑area Er/Yb- and Yb‑doped fibers.
• Experience with wavelength‑division and frequency‑division multiplexing (WDM/FDM) and high‑data‑rate laser communication system architectures.
• Experience in coherent beam combining and wavelength beam combining (WBC) to scale transmit power in optical links.
• Skilled in optical system design using Zemax and CODE V for free‑space and fiber‑coupled communication systems.
• Strong understanding of fiber nonlinearities and propagation effects (SBS, SRS, SPM, FWM, TMI) and their impact on link performance.
• U.S. citizenship required
• Existing DoW Secret with an ability to SCI and special access
• Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Location

• Kirtland AFB, NM

Preferred Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• PhD in Engineering, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Extensive experience designing and testing high‑power fiber amplifiers and MOPA architectures for optical communication and sensing applications.
• Hands‑on experience with wavelength‑division multiplexing (WDM) and high‑data‑rate laser communication system architectures.
• Expertise in coherent beam combining and wavelength beam combining (WBC) techniques to scale optical transmit power.
• Proficiency in optical system design and analysis using Zemax and CODE V for fiber‑coupled and free‑space optical links.
• Deep understanding of nonlinear fiber effects (SBS, SRS, SPM, FWM, TMI) and turbulence‑induced degradation, with practical mitigation strategies for communication links.
• Strong skills in interferometric diagnostics and ultrafast pulse characterization (e.g., SHG‑FROG) for laser/optical system verification.
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, C#/.NET, and MATLAB for hardware control, automation, data acquisition, and signal processing.

Physical Demands

• Travel required to domestic US sites - up to 10%
• Ability to work in an office, laboratory, and field environment
• Required to work night and evening shifts periodically for testing purposes
• Required to sit and stand for long periods (frequent)
• Required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$112,500 - $171,750

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.