Communications Systems Engineer (Optical/Quantum)

Overview In this role you will support the IC R&D customer developing advanced optical and quantum communication hardware and architectures. You will perform technical reviews, assess designs, and contribute to roadmaps and transition plans for modern optical/quantum systems. You’ll collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to translate mission needs into engineering solutions. This position offers an opportunity to shape next‑generation capabilities for national security in a fast‑paced, mission‑focused environment. Compensation / Benefitshealth insuranceretirement savings plansdisability insurancepaid time away from work ResponsibilitiesPerform detailed technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication development across components, subsystems, systems, and architecture levelsEvaluate designs and technologies such as optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, and entanglement-based architecturesAssess emerging technologies and identify gaps in high‑bandwidth space links, modulation formats, pointing/tracking, link budgets, networking, and secure quantum transportSupport creation of roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for modernizing optical and quantum systemsConduct technical outreach with mission users to capture operational needs and determine applicability of emerging capabilitiesPrepare system engineering documentation, analyses, and program-level briefings to convey findings and strategic recommendationsProvide support to programmatic and acquisition activities such as source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning Key requirementsUS Citizenship with TS/SCI + Poly clearanceBachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline with 9+ years of experience; Masters and 7+ years; PhD or JD and 4+ years of experienceExperience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentationStrong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing skillsDemonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teamsProficiency with Microsoft Office toolsAbility to report to Chantilly, VA full-time as required by customerStrong interpersonal communicationCollaborative teamworkTechnical writingOptical terminalsFree-space optical linksPhotonic components