{"id":2825858,"url":"https://alion.io/job/bright-silicon-technologies-optical-communications-software-engineer-modem-integration-bright-silicon-technologies","title":"Optical Communications Software Engineer - Modem Integration - Bright Silicon Technologies","company":{"id":4391899,"name":"BRIGHT SILICON TECHNOLOGIES","domain":"bright-si-tech.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/bright-si-tech","size_band":"11-50","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"JazzHR","truth_index":null},"role":"Backend","role_family":"Backend","seniority":"middle","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Pleasanton, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":120000,"max":220000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":220000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":3,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Linux","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-18T22:07:50Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-18","last_verified_at":"2026-10-24T02:31:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":5,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":5},"description":"Optical Communications Software Engineer - Modem Integration Bright Silicon Technologies | Pleasanton, CA | Full time\nAbout the Role\nBright Silicon Technologies (BST) develops precision optical systems built around our Lightfield Directing Array (LDA), a MEMS micromirror array for fast, precise control of light. Our OCTANE free-space optical communications terminal brings together free-space optics, fiber-based photonics, and communications hardware to enable high-bandwidth links between ground and airborne platforms.We’re looking for a software engineer to own modem integration and communications software for OCTANE. You’ll build the software that configures and monitors our (expected to be a COMET) modem, connects it to the terminal’s data interfaces, and manages link operation and recovery. Working with our photonics, firmware, controls, and hardware engineers, you’ll take a working laboratory system toward reliable outdoor and mobile operation, targeting Space Development Agency (SDA) interoperability.\nWhat you’ll do\nOwn modem software integration for our free space optical communications terminal. Develop C/C++ software for modem configuration, telemetry, host interfaces, network interface and data transfer.\nDefine software interfaces and acceptance criteria, including applicable SDA Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) requirements. Coordinate link states and timing with pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) software.\nImplement link state machines, startup and shutdown sequences, fault handling, and recovery after fades or interruptions.\nBuild Python tools and automated bench and hardware-in-the-loop tests. Measure throughput, latency, packet loss, and bit error rate to verify link performance.\nTroubleshoot problems across software, embedded interfaces, modem behavior, interfaces with the next level up in the network, and optical performance \nWhat we’re looking for\nA bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, and at least three years of modem integration and communications software development experience.\nStrong C/C++ skills and experience developing and debugging software on Linux or real-time embedded platforms.\nHands-on experience integrating communications hardware and debugging hardware/software interfaces using logs, telemetry, protocol captures, and laboratory measurements.\nExperience using Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis, with working knowledge of communications performance measurements.\nU.S. citizenship.\nNice to have\nExperience with SDA OCT standards, compliant optical terminals, or modem and terminal interoperability testing.\nExperience with COMET or other optical communications modems, including configuration, telemetry, and host integration.\nExperience with free-space or fiber-optic communications, including optical link budgets, receiver sensitivity, and the effects of changing received power.\nFamiliarity with communications or modem DSP, including modulation, synchronization, framing, forward error correction, or equalization.\nExperience integrating software with FPGA-based systems, including register interfaces and data paths.\nExperience validating link state machines and fault recovery through hardware-in-the-loop testing or field demonstrations on mobile platforms.\nDon't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At BST we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.Why BST\nOwn the software that connects OCTANE’s modem and terminal hardware into a working optical communications link, from bench integration through outdoor testing.\nWork closely with colleagues in photonics, firmware, controls, and electronics. Follow problems across interfaces and see the results in operating hardware.\nTake meaningful technical ownership in an engineer-led company with competitive compensation, equity, and a sustainable approach to work.\nCompany Overview\nAt Bright, we build precision optical systems to guide data for a new era of communication. Our team combines precision engineering, optical design, and product development to commercialize the Lightfield Directing Array. Applications include laser communications, optical switching for data centers, lidar, and additive manufacturing.Founded in 2020, Bright Silicon Technologies is building an enduring technology manufacturing company. You’ll contribute to the development, launch, and scaling of advanced optical products. We offer competitive salaries and equity incentives, and we value effective engineering alongside long-term work/life balance.\nIndividual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.\nTarget Compensation: $120000 - $220000 + bonus + equity + benefits\nOur benefits include:\nEquity Incentive Plan\nComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with other voluntary benefits\n3% employer contribution to employee 401(k)\nDevelopment and career growth opportunities\nGenerous paid time off and paid company holidays\nEqual Employment Opportunity\nBright Silicon Technologies is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, association with a member of a protected class, bereavement leave, color, disability (physical, intellectual/developmental, or mental health/psychiatric), exercising the right to family care and medical leave related to serious health condition of employee or family member, child 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