Optical Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to support the development and integration of next-generation Free Space Optical (FSO) / Laser Communications systems for advanced space, airborne, and defense applications. This individual will work across the full systems engineering lifecycle, contributing to system architecture, requirements development, optical link performance analysis, interface definition, integration, and verification activities. The ideal candidate has experience supporting optical communication terminals, satellite communications, lasercom payloads, or precision pointing and tracking systems in a highly technical environment.

Qualified candidates will have experience with optical communications, free space optics (FSO), laser communications (Lasercom), optical terminals, or related photonics-based systems. Responsibilities include requirements decomposition, system modeling, link budget analysis, trade studies, integration support, and test and verification planning. Experience with MBSE, SysML, optical payloads, pointing/acquisition/tracking (PAT) systems, satellite communications, or aerospace and defense programs is highly desired. Candidates with exposure to DoD, Space Force, SDA, NASA, or classified space programs are strongly preferred.

This role is offering $65-80/hr.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy:

Skills and Requirements

5+ years of experience working in a defense or related field

Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related field

Experience working with Free Space Optical (FSO) / Laser Communications systems

Optical communications terminals and optical crosslinks

Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) systems

Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, and Verification & Validation

MBSE, SysML, DOORS, and system architecture development

Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance preferred