Optical Communications Engineer to lead the architecture, programming, and implementation of our modems and digital signal processing pipelines. In this role, you will bridge our revolutionary Lightfield Directing Array (LDA) front-end optics with ruggedized back-end electronics, driving the data transport layers for our next-generation Free-Space Optical (FSO) flight terminals and space-to-ground mesh networks. What You'll Do
- Modem Programming & DSP: Architect, develop, and optimize high-speed firmware and software for fiber-coupled modems, ensuring robust link establishment and low-latency data throughput under dynamic conditions.
- Error Correction Code Implementation: Design and deploy advanced forward error correction (FEC) algorithms tailored for atmospheric turbulence and high-loss optical channels, maximizing link margin and bit error rate (BER) performance.
- Transceiver Integration & Layout: Drive the implementation and integration of optical transceivers, leveraging telecom C-band hardware layouts and fiber-optic sub-assemblies to seamlessly link back-end electronics with front-end optical apertures.
- Standards Compliance & Interoperability: Ensure back-end waveform and framing architectures align with Space Development Agency (SDA) standards and multi-waveform defense interoperability requirements.
- System Verification & Flight Testing: Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to test, debug, and validate end-to-end optical communication links from laboratory benches to live airborne flight demonstrations.
What We're Looking For- Education & Background: Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Modem & DSP Expertise: Hands-on experience with fiber-coupled optical modem programming, high-speed digital signal processing (DSP), and FPGA/ASIC implementation for communication systems.
- Error Correction Mastery: Deep theoretical understanding and practical implementation experience with optical error correction codes (e.g., LDPC, Reed-Solomon, soft-decision FEC).
- Transceiver & Hardware Knowledge: Proven experience designing or integrating optical transceivers, opto-electronic components, and telecom C-band fiber optic hardware layouts.
- Standards & Systems Familiarity: Working knowledge of SDA optical standards and defense communication architectures.
- U.S. Person Status: This position involves working with Government sensitive information (CUI and ITAR) and requires U.S. Person status (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident/green card holder, or protected individual).
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with airborne or space-based laser communications (OISL/FSO) architectures.
- Background collaborating with research institutions or national labs.
- Proficiency in C++, Python, or VHDL/Verilog for hardware-software co-design and automated test benches.
Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At BST we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
