Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer/Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. You will work at the intersection of photonics, laser systems, and space/airborne communications to build next-generation terminals for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead architecture and design of laser communication terminals and subsystems, including optical benches, beam steering modules, and acquisition/tracking mechanisms.
- Develop link budgets, simulate end-to-end optical communication performance, and optimize for SWaP-C constraints.
- Drive component selection, integration, and system-level validation (e.g., lasers, modulators, beam expanders, fiber optics).
- Collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, and software teams to integrate optical comm systems into airborne or space-qualified platforms.
- Support optical alignment, calibration, and test (including pointing, tracking, and acquisition) in lab and field settings.
- Engage in customer briefings, system requirement definition, and roadmap planning for optical comm architectures.
- Author technical documents, system specs, and support IP and proposal development.
Required Qualifications:
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in free-space optical communication or directed energy systems.
- Hands-on expertise in laser systems, optical alignment, and fiber-coupled systems.
- Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and MATLAB/Python.
- Experience with optical communication protocols and pointing/tracking systems for free space optical communication or other applications.
- Understanding optical link impairments, turbulence effects, and acquisition/tracking strategies.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with space-qualified optical systems or flight hardware.
- Knowledge of standards like CCSDS or optical inter-satellite link (OISL) protocols.
- Familiarity with SWIR/MWIR optics, MEMS beam steering, or Risley prisms.
- Background in secure communications, encryption, or waveform design.
- Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
What We Offer:
- Competitive compensation and equity packages
- Technical leadership in a rapidly advancing application space
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications
- Opportunities for technical growth, system-level ownership, and leadership
- Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact
Join Us
If you're excited about building the future of connectivity in space, we'd love to talk.
About Ravee Optics:
The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport.