Senior Electrical Engineer, Lasercom

Observable Space

. Lead the design and development of electrical systems powering next-generation laser communications technology .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeLos Angeles • California • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing high-speed optical communication systems, including proficiency in signal processing, electronics interfacing, and laboratory validation. Capable of collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance and ensure reliability in prototype-driven environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical Communication System DesignHigh-Speed Analog and Mixed-Signal CircuitrySignal Processing and DSP AlgorithmsLaboratory Validation of Communication HardwarePrototyping and Characterization of Optical Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical System DesignSignal ConditioningHigh-Speed Communication SystemsFiber ElectronicsOptical AmplifiersMixed-Signal CircuitryData Conversion CircuitryOptical ModulatorsCoherent ModulationDigital Signal Processing

Soft Skills

Analytical Problem-SolvingCollaborationAdaptability in Fast-Paced Environments

Tools & Technologies

OscilloscopesVector Network AnalyzersSpectrum AnalyzersMATLAB/SimulinkADSHFSSCSTCOMSOLLumericalFPGA-Based Systems

Industry Keywords

PhotonicsLaser CommunicationsAerospaceDefenseSatellite CommunicationFree-Space Optical CommunicationsOptical Integrated CircuitsHigh-Speed SerDesPAM4QAM

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and development of electrical systems powering next-generation laser communications technology
Design electronics interfacing with lasers, photonic integrated circuits, optical amplifiers, modulators, detectors, and fiber optic subsystems
Design high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuitry for coherent and free-space optical communications
Develop signal conditioning, amplification, timing, clocking, and data conversion circuitry for ultra-high-bandwidth optical links
Design, analyze, and validate high-speed signal paths for signal integrity, noise performance, jitter, and bandwidth
Model, simulate, prototype, and characterize optical communication hardware
Support DSP pipelines for modulation, demodulation, synchronization, equalization, and optical signal recovery
Collaborate with optical engineers on laser performance, optical alignment, receiver sensitivity, and system link budgets
Perform electrical characterization and debugging using oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, BERTs, optical spectrum analyzers, and related laboratory equipment
Participate in architecture trade studies, component selection, and system performance optimization
Support transition from prototype to flight-qualified hardware while balancing performance, manufacturability, and reliability
Report to the Director of Electrical Engineering

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline
5+ years designing optical communication or high-speed communication systems
Strong understanding of fiber electronics, optics, lasers, and signal processing
Experience designing electronics supporting high-speed optical or communication systems
Familiarity with digital communication theory, modulation schemes, coding, synchronization, and digital signal processing
Experience performing laboratory validation of high-speed communication hardware
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across electrical, optical, mechanical, and software disciplines
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, prototype-driven engineering environment
Preferred: MS or PhD focused on optical communications, photonics, microwave engineering, RF systems, or digital communications
Preferred: Experience developing coherent optical communication systems
Preferred: Experience with free-space optical communications or laser communication systems
Preferred: Experience with photonic integrated circuits, fiber optic transceivers, EDFAs, coherent receivers, or optical modulators
Preferred: Experience with high-speed SerDes, PAM4, QAM, QPSK, coherent modulation, or related communication architectures
Preferred: Familiarity with DSP algorithms for optical communications, including equalization, carrier recovery, clock recovery, and FEC
Preferred: Experience using ADS, HFSS, CST, COMSOL, Lumerical, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar
Preferred: Experience with FPGA-based communication systems
Preferred: Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or satellite communication systems
Preferred: Experience supporting hardware developed for harsh environmental or spaceflight applications
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Able to be in-office in West Los Angeles 3 days a week

Benefits

Comp & perks

Stock options
Hybrid work setup with flexibility to work remotely part of the week
Unlimited PTO (exempt only)
Paid holidays
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
100% of employee health insurance premiums paid by the employer
Access to cutting-edge hardware and software
Mission-driven culture
Supportive and diverse workplace