Staff Optical Communications Engineer Verified today
About the Team
The Interplanetary Sciences Program expands access to scientific exploration across the solar system. It rethinks how science missions are designed, built, and operated to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before.
About the Role
As a Staff Optical Communications Engineer within the Interplanetary Sciences Program, you will own the end-to-end architecture, design, development, and delivery of a deep-space optical communications terminal. You will translate mission needs into system performance requirements, develop architectures, and drive implementation through in-house design or external partnerships.
You will operate in a fast-paced, iterative environment where rapid prototyping, early testing, and continuous learning drive success. You will lead hands-on development campaigns to evaluate key technologies, derisk interfaces, and validate performance before full system integration.
You will work across internal and external teams to turn concepts into hardware, balancing agility and rigor as you move from analysis to prototypes to flight-ready systems. You will deliver a robust, high-performance optical communications capability that enables breakthrough science across the solar system.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
- 7+ years of experience in laser communications, optical systems engineering, or spacecraft communications system development
- Proven ability to take complex technical systems from concept through qualification, integration, and operational deployment
- Hands-on proficiency in electromechanical prototyping, including integration of optics, electronics, and mechanical subsystems such as gimbals, pointing mechanisms, and precision mounts
- Deep understanding of optical communications subsystems, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT); modems; and photonic hardware
- Excellent communication skills with ability to synthesize technical details and drive decision-making across engineering and program teams
Nice to Haves
- Experience with spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification
- Familiarity with NASA or commercial spacecraft systems engineering processes in a New-Space manner
- Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems
Compensation
Hiring range: $188,000 to $251,000 USD. Compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and job-related factors. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, and annual learning and development stipend.