Chief Architect - Optical Communication Terminals
$167,808–$219,704 year
Hybrid · Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Job Summary
Lead engineering activities for an optical communications payload from concept through launch. Define, analyze, and validate system and subsystem requirements for space environments; collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop integrated communication solutions focusing on system architecture, performance, and reliability. Derive quantified requirements for optical communication terminals using analytical techniques, numerical modeling, and bench-top testing; conduct hardware/software validation of optical communication systems; provide root-cause analysis for non-conformances in the optics subsystem. Present program updates and technical solutions to internal/external stakeholders; mentor and support team members; organize and deliver projects independently in a fast-paced, multi-cultural startup environment. Requires extensive experience in Free Space Optical communication systems and a strong background in optical engineering, simulations, and data analysis.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in Free Space Optical communication systems.
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Practical experience with fiber optic and free-space optics laboratory setups
- Familiarity with relevant communication standards and coding techniques
- Strong understanding of wavefront errors, SNR, BER, and link budgets
- Experience with optical simulation/modelling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python)
- Knowledge of adaptive optics, beam steering, and pointing error impacts
- Team player with problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Experience developing space optical instruments (telescopes, spectrometers, interferometers) in industrial/scientific environments
- Strong quantitative data analysis abilities using Matlab, Python, or equivalent
- U.S. export controls/compliance requirements awareness
Additional Requirements
- U.S. export control and government contracts compliance
- U.S. citizen, U.S. national, Green Card holder, or equivalent for certain postings
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