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SAIC
Communications Systems Engineer (Optical/Quantum)
Career Insights for Optical / Laser Engineer
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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.
$112,623 / year median in Virginia
-3% projected decline
Job Description
Company:
SAIC Location:
Chantilly, VA Career Level:
Mid-Senior Level Industries:
Technology, Software, IT, Electronics Description Description SAIC is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications engineering experience to support specialized analysis, engineering, design, and operations for Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We support development of next‑generation and far‑future national security systems across land, sea, air, and space domains. We are hiring a Communications Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an IC Research & Development (R D) customer developing advanced hardware, software, and architectural solutions for mission‑critical optical and quantum communication systems. Responsibilities- Perform technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts at the component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
- Evaluate designs and technologies including optical terminals, free‑space optical links, photonic components, entanglement‑based communication architectures, and quantum‑enhanced optical subsystems.
- Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high‑bandwidth space links, advanced modulation formats, pointing/tracking systems, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum‑enabled transport architectures.
- Support development of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for optical and quantum system modernization.
- Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture needs and evaluate applicability of emerging optical and quantum capabilities.
- Prepare system engineering documentation, technical analyses, and program‑level briefings to communicate findings and strategic recommendations.
- Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities, including source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning. Qualifications Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience
- Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools. Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
- 12+ years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in optical or quantum communication systems.
- 1+ year of experience supporting USG R D acquisition processes and documentation.
- Experience with space‑based optical terminals, quantum optical payloads, photonic systems, or advanced quantum‑enhanced communication architectures Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000.