Lead Optical Communications Specialist

2 weeks ago


Herndon, Virginia, United States Nssfed Full time
Senior Optical Communications Specialist


Are you passionate about collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers to innovate and develop satellite-based optical communication systems, including optical inter-satellite links and direct-to-earth connections? Nssfed is seeking an optical communications specialist to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in space technology.

In this role, you will thrive in a collaborative environment while being empowered to make critical decisions in your field of expertise.

Your Responsibilities

As an optical communications specialist, your primary duties will include:

  • Designing and constructing optical space terminals.
  • Leading hands-on assembly of space flight optical terminals.
  • Overseeing performance and environmental verification testing for space applications.

Engage with some of the brightest minds in engineering, actively participating in high-profile missions for NASA and the Department of Defense.

Utilize your practical experience to support the design, fabrication, and qualification of laser communication terminals, optical modems, and optical pointing and tracking systems.

Key Activities

Your role will involve:

  • Coordinating a multidisciplinary team of engineers to successfully complete next-generation laser communication terminals and optical modems.
  • Managing multiple concurrent projects, balancing short-duration flight programs with long-term technology maturation initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience

To excel as a senior optical communications specialist, you should possess:

  • A Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.
  • Knowledge of telecommunications standards and industry best practices.
  • Proficiency in designing and executing experiments to validate communication system performance.
  • Experience leading space flight hardware builds.
  • Familiarity with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, or ZEMAX.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills for effective multidisciplinary collaboration.
  • Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Desired Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Expertise in free-space optical communication systems, link budgets, and relevant standards.
  • Understanding of opto-mechanical and thermo-optic stability.
  • Experience in position navigation and tracking technologies.
  • A strong background in signal processing and sensor design.
  • Experience in the aerospace industry.

We encourage you to explore this opportunity to join our innovative team at Nssfed.

Company Overview

Nssfed is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and customer success, supported by a creative and flexible work environment. We prioritize professional growth and offer a competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits.

Nssfed is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.



  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Job SummaryFIBERTEK, INC. is seeking an experienced Optical Communications Specialist to join our team in Herndon, VA. As an Optical Communications Specialist, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and build optical space...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Job SummaryFIBERTEK, INC. is seeking an experienced Optical Communications Specialist to join our team in Herndon, VA. As an Optical Communications Specialist, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and build optical space...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States NSS Full time

    Senior Optical Communications Engineer Are you interested in collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers to innovate and develop satellite-based optical communication laser terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct-to-earth connections? NSS is seeking an optical communications engineer to join our team and contribute to...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Job SummaryFIBERTEK, INC. is seeking a highly skilled Optical Communications Engineer to join our team in Herndon, VA. As an Optical Communications Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop optical space...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    About the RoleFibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for government and commercial customers.We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Research and Development Division as a Senior...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    About FiberTek, Inc.FiberTek, Inc. is a leading developer of cutting-edge laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace industry, with significant contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for government and commercial customers.Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Optical...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Job SummaryFIBERTEK, INC. is seeking an experienced Optical Communications Systems Engineer to join our team in Herndon, VA. As an Optical Communications Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    About the RoleFibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of cutting-edge laser and electro-optical systems for the aerospace industry. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Program Manager to lead a team of experts in developing new laser transmitter subsystems, lidar systems, and space-based communications systems.Key...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States L3Harris Technologies Full time

    Job Title: Senior Optical Communications Systems EngineerJob Description:L3Harris Technologies is on the lookout for a Senior Optical Communications Systems Engineer to contribute to advanced space and airborne initiatives. This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle complex challenges while leveraging your deep understanding of free-space optical...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States NSS Full time

    Senior Optical Communications Engineer Are you interested in collaborating with a dynamic team of engineers to innovate and develop satellite-based optical communication laser terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct-to-earth connections? NSS is seeking an optical communications engineer to contribute to the future of space...

  • Firmware Engineer

    3 days ago


    Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    About Fibertek, Inc.Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of cutting-edge laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace community, with significant contributions to lasers for atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for government and commercial customers.Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Firmware Engineer to join our Research...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States NSS Full time

    Senior Optical Communications Engineer Are you ready to collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers focused on the design and development of satellite-based optical communication laser terminals, including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct-to-earth connections? NSS is seeking an optical communications engineer to contribute to groundbreaking...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States WhatJobs Full time

    About WhatJobsFibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optical systems for the aerospace community, with key contributions to earth-sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors for government and commercial customers.We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead a group of highly specialized experts to develop new laser...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    About the RoleFibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of cutting-edge laser and electro-optical systems for the aerospace community. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Program Manager to lead a team of experts in developing new laser transmitter subsystems, lidar systems, and space-based communications systems.Key...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Fibertek, Inc. stands at the forefront of innovation in laser and electro-optic systems tailored for the aerospace sector, making significant strides in atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar technologies for esteemed clients such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and various commercial enterprises. We are seeking a skilled Senior Procurement...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Fibertek, Inc. stands at the forefront of innovation in laser and electro-optic systems tailored for the aerospace sector, contributing significantly to advancements in atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar technologies for esteemed clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. We are seeking a seasoned Senior Buyer and Assistant...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Fibertek, Inc. stands at the forefront of innovation in laser and electro-optic systems tailored for the aerospace sector, contributing significantly to advancements in atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar technologies for esteemed clients such as NASA and the Department of Defense. We are seeking a seasoned Senior Buyer and Assistant...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Fibertek, Inc. stands at the forefront of developing advanced laser and electro-optic systems tailored for the aerospace sector, contributing significantly to atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar technology for esteemed clients including NASA and the Department of Defense. We are seeking a seasoned Senior Buyer and Assistant Purchasing...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Fibertek, Inc. stands at the forefront of innovation in laser and electro-optic systems tailored for the aerospace sector, contributing significantly to atmospheric sensing technologies, laser communication systems, and lidar sensors utilized by NASA, the Department of Defense, and various commercial entities. We are in search of a seasoned Senior Buyer and...


  • Herndon, Virginia, United States FIBERTEK, INC. Full time

    Company Overview: Fibertek, Inc. is a prominent innovator in the development of laser and electro-optic systems tailored for the aerospace sector. Our contributions span across atmospheric sensing, laser communications, and lidar sensors, serving esteemed clients such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and various commercial entities.Position Summary: We...