Laser communications systems engineer

Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer 

Location: Dayton, Ohio/Remote 
Type: Full-time 
Clearance: Optional – e.g., U.S. Citizen/Eligible for Clearance 

Position Overview:  

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer/Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. You will work at the intersection of photonics, laser systems, and space/airborne communications to build next-generation terminals for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead architecture and design of laser communication terminals and subsystems, including optical benches, beam steering modules, and acquisition/tracking mechanisms. 

• Develop link budgets, simulate end-to-end optical communication performance, and optimize for SWaP-C constraints. 

• Drive component selection, integration, and system-level validation (e.g., lasers, modulators, beam expanders, fiber optics). 

• Collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, and software teams to integrate optical comm systems into airborne or space-qualified platforms. 

• Support optical alignment, calibration, and test (including pointing, tracking, and acquisition) in lab and field settings. 

• Engage in customer briefings, system requirement definition, and roadmap planning for optical comm architectures. 

• Author technical documents, system specs, and support IP and proposal development. 

Required Qualifications: 

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 

• 7+ years of experience in free-space optical communication or directed energy systems. 

• Hands-on expertise in laser systems, optical alignment, and fiber-coupled systems. 

• Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and MATLAB/Python. 

• Experience with optical communication protocols and pointing/tracking systems for free space optical communication or other applications. 

• Understanding optical link impairments, turbulence effects, and acquisition/tracking strategies. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with space-qualified optical systems or flight hardware. 

• Knowledge of standards like CCSDS or optical inter-satellite link (OISL) protocols. 

• Familiarity with SWIR/MWIR optics, MEMS beam steering, or Risley prisms. 

• Background in secure communications, encryption, or waveform design. 

• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one. 

What We Offer: 

• Competitive compensation and equity packages 

• Technical leadership in a rapidly advancing application space 

• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications 

• Opportunities for technical growth, system-level ownership, and leadership 

• Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact 

About Ravee Optics:  

The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport.