{"id":673212,"url":"https://alion.io/job/observable-sr-electrical-engineer-lasercom","title":"Sr. Electrical Engineer, Lasercom","company":{"id":678446,"name":"Observable Space","domain":"observable.space","url":"https://alion.io/company/observable-3","size_band":"201-500","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":78,"open_postings":9,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.667,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":67,"computed_at":"2026-10-30T05:48:23Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Los Angeles, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":122000,"max_usd":225000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":1517},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"Simulink","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-08-13T20:24:05Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-08-13","last_verified_at":"2026-10-30T18:03:42Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":77,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":77},"description":"About Observable Space\nAt Observable Space, we're redefining how humanity observes and connects with the universe. We're a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building industry-leading precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. Our systems are trusted by thousands of customers, including NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force and the U.S. Department of War, leading research institutions and international partners.\nWe combine precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs into world class products at scale with in-house manufacturing. From advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, to distributed compute platforms, we deliver the foundational systems enabling continuous, real-time navigation, observation, and communication in space.\nObservable Space is backed by top-tier institutional investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Embedded Ventures. To learn more, visit observable.space.\nAbout the Role\nWe are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Engineer to help lead the design and development of the electrical systems that power our next-generation laser communications technology. This role sits at the intersection of photonics, fiber optics, analog electronics, RF design, and digital signal processing, supporting the development of high-performance optical communication systems for aerospace applications. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex multidisciplinary problems spanning electrical engineering, optics, and communications theory. This role reports to the Director of Electrical Engineering.\nWhat You'll Do\nDesign and develop electronics that interface directly with laser communication systems, including lasers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), optical amplifiers, modulators, detectors, and fiber optic subsystems.\n\nDesign high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuitry supporting coherent optical communications and free-space optical communication systems.\n\nDevelop signal conditioning, amplification, timing, clocking, and data conversion circuitry for ultra-high-bandwidth optical links.\n\nDesign, analyze, and validate high-speed signal paths with an emphasis on signal integrity, noise performance, jitter, and bandwidth.\n\nModel, simulate, prototype, and characterize optical communication hardware using laboratory instrumentation and simulation tools.\n\nSupport development of DSP pipelines for modulation, demodulation, synchronization, equalization, and optical signal recovery.\n\nCollaborate closely with optical engineers to optimize laser performance, optical alignment, receiver sensitivity, and system link budgets.\n\nPerform electrical characterization and debugging using oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, bit-error-rate testers (BERTs), optical spectrum analyzers, and related laboratory equipment.\n\nParticipate in architecture trade studies, component selection, and performance optimization across the complete optical communication system.\n\nSupport transition from prototype through flight-qualified hardware while balancing performance, manufacturability, and reliability.\n\nWhat You'll Bring\nBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline.\n\n5+ years designing optical communication or high-speed communication systems.\n\nStrong understanding of fiber electronics, optics, lasers, and signal processing.\n\nExperience designing electronics supporting high-speed optical or communication systems.\n\nFamiliarity with digital communication theory, modulation schemes, coding, synchronization, and digital signal processing.\n\nExperience performing laboratory validation of high-speed communication hardware.\n\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work across electrical, optical, mechanical, and software disciplines.\n\nComfortable working in a fast-paced, prototype-driven engineering environment.\n\nPreferred Qualifications\nMS or PhD focused on optical communications, photonics, microwave engineering, RF systems, or digital communications.\n\nExperience developing coherent optical communication systems.\n\nExperience with free-space optical communications (FSO) or laser communication systems.\n\nExperience with photonic integrated circuits (PICs), fiber optic transceivers, EDFAs, coherent receivers, or optical modulators.\n\nExperience with high-speed SerDes, PAM4, QAM, QPSK, coherent modulation, or related communication architectures.\n\nFamiliarity with DSP algorithms for optical communications including equalization, carrier recovery, clock recovery, and FEC.\n\nExperience using simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, CST, COMSOL, Lumerical, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar.\n\nExperience with FPGA-based communication systems.\n\nFamiliarity with aerospace, defense, or satellite communication systems.\n\nExperience supporting hardware developed for harsh environmental or spaceflight applications.\n\nWhat We Offer\nCompetitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.\nEquity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.\nFlexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)\nUnlimited PTO (exempt only) - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.\nHealth & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.\nCutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.\nMission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.\nInclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.\nObservable Space is an equal opportunity employer. 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