Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Ready to make an impact! Join Peraton in advancing national security through innovative Satellite Communications (SATCOM) ground terminal solutions. As a trusted partner in defense and space technologies Peraton delivers the systems and services that keep our nation connected.

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design development integration and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM this role you will provide technical expertise in laser-based free-space optical communications and related technologies ensure compliance with DoD guidelines and collaborate across teams to drive project success. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge in free space optical communications systems with strong analytical and communication skills.

The Optical Communications SE will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

• Developing concepts of operations for optical SATCOM ground terminal systems.
• Reviewing developing analyzing and allocating requirements for free-space optical communication links and ground terminals.
• Developing and exercising performance models including link budget analysis atmospheric turbulence modeling pointing/acquisition/tracking simulations and mitigation techniques (e.g. adaptive optics wavefront correction).
• Providing technical guidance on deploying optical SATCOM systems including optical ground terminals wavefront correction acquisition tracking and pointing (ATP) mechanisms and atmospheric mitigation strategies.
• Supporting the integration of optical ground terminals into SATCOM architectures collaborating with engineering teams on system design testing and validation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Physics Optics or related field.
• Must have the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications photonics or related fields with focus on free-space optical systems and ground terminal applications.
• Proficient in free-space optical system modeling and link analysis.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage complex technical tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (e.g. Masters or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering Physics Optics or a closely related field is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of optical communication challenges and mitigations including atmospheric mitigation pointing acquisition and tracking and link analysis.
• Exposure to SATCOM or defense-related optical communication projects particularly involving ground terminals.
• Experience with DoD lifecycle management processes for SATCOM systems from engineering design integration and test to deployment operations and sustainment.

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the worlds leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider we deliver trusted highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land sea space air and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day our employees do the cant be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit to learn how were keeping people around the world safe and secure.