Optical Engineer, Communications

The role

The Optical Engineer will design, develop, and optimize high-power laser systems for satellites. This includes characterizing laser sources, integrating fiber-optic components, and performing fiber splicing and assembly.

What you will do

• Design and develop high-power fiber laser and amplifier systems for space-based applications
• Characterize laser sources including linewidth, phase noise, RIN, and spectral purity
• Select, integrate, and qualify fiber-optic components and subsystems
• Perform and supervise fiber splicing and assembly of fiber-optic subassemblies
• Model and measure fiber nonlinearity effects including SBS and SPM
• Design and align coherent fiber-optic receivers
• Develop and execute test plans for optical performance verification
• Generate design specifications, assembly procedures, and test reports

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree+ in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with fiber-optic systems including splicing, component integration, and characterization
• 2+ years of professional laser beam characterization experience
• Experience with optical diagnostics, optical relays, and imaging
• Optical systems design and alignment (free-space optical)
• Experience with rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers
• Familiarity with fiber-optic communications modulation formats
• Experience operating OSAs, power meters, polarimeters, and high-speed oscilloscopes

Nice to have

• Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
• Hands-on experience building and characterizing MOPA fiber amplifier chains
• Familiarity with SBS, SPM, and other nonlinearity effects in high-power fiber systems
• Experience with interferometric optical receivers or coherent detection front-ends
• 5+ years of experience in a laser communications, defense, or aerospace photonics role
• Experience with free-space optical communications or LEO inter-satellite links
• Experience with environmental validation of space-based laser systems (thermal-vacuum, vibration, radiation)
• Experience with Class 4 laser lab environments
• Micro-optical bench experience

Benefits

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• 10 paid holidays
• Unlimited paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office
• Fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

Before you apply

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Depar

About the company

Cowboy Space Corporation is building infrastructure for space-based solar energy to solve the global energy crisis. The company is based in San Carlos, CA.