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Tekla Research

Laser Communications Engineer, Senior

Pay: $165,000–$180,000/yr

Posted: 4 days ago

Location: Washington, DC (Onsite)

Last Updated: 2 days ago

Hours: Full-Time

Expires: 10/6/2026

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What they do

An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics). Optical technology includes fiber optic cables, which enable high-speed internet connections across long distances, and lasers, which can be used to make very small incisions and measurements. Works closely with scientists and engineers from other fields on advances in technology.

$119,470 / year median in Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)

-6% projected decline

Explore Career

Job Description

Laser Communications Engineer, Senior Tekla Research - 4.8 Washington, DC Job Details $165,000 - $180,000 a year 1 hour ago Benefits AD&D insurance Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance 401(k) matching Qualifications Report preparation Technical engineering Test systems Engineering development testing Signal processing Technical documentation Software coding Communications systems expertise (engineering specialty) Research and development in electrical engineering Fiber optic network Technical report writing Optics Doctor of Philosophy Telecommunications systems Engineering research Technical research projects Instrumentation design Research & development Full Job Description Must be a U.S.

Citizen Clearance Required:

Top Secret Education Required:

PhD in Physics, Electrical, Optical Engineering or related technical field

Experience Required:

12 or more years of increasing responsibility in professional engineering/scientific disciplines, including systems engineering, research and development, and program/portfolio management. Demonstrable knowledge of current state-of-the-art systems, electro-optical systems, optical propagation, and/or free space optical laser communications systems Technical expertise in laser subsystems components and controls including laser transmitters, fiber optics, lenses, detectors, signal processing, and optical link budgets.. Demonstrable knowledge of laser atmospheric propagation theory and analysis. Broad modeling and coding experience in multiple environments (e.g. MATLAB, Python, Zemax, LabView, etc.) Development of test methodologies and execution, optical test instrumentation design and implementation, data collection and technical assessment, report writing and white paper/executive level documentation.

Position Description:

Support Naval Research Laboratory Space Systems Development Division (SSDD). The primary objective of the SSDD is to develop command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) hardware and software solutions to space, airborne, and ground applications. Provide technical expertise for a rapidly expanding portfolio of laser communications systems and technologies that address significant needs in defense requirements for advanced optical communications across multiple domains. Facilitate research and development of advanced laser technologies and their application to deployable systems for innovative and advanced solutions for defense technology gaps. This entails exploration, development and evaluation of novel designs, methods, and techniques in the application of lasers to communication, ranging, and time-transfer systems.

Salary:

The projected salary range for this position is $165,000 to $180,000; however, this is not a guarantee of salary. Salary will be set based on experience and contractual requirements.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, & Vision Plan, short- and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, 401K retirement & matching, Tuition assistance program, direct deposit, leave package and 11 paid federal holidays.