Ravee Optics

5 jobs near Columbus, OH

Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer (Remote)

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH โ€ข Remote

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 hours ago


Job description

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.