Staff Optical Communications Engineer

About the role

You will lead the end-to-end development of deep-space optical communications terminals, managing the architecture from initial design through to delivery. This role requires driving technical strategy while working with internal and external partners to build flight-ready hardware for interplanetary missions. You own the definition, integration, and verification of the complete optical communications stack, ensuring that performance, reliability, and mission timelines are met. The position demands a balance between detailed engineering execution and high-level system oversight to de-risk complex deep-space links. You will translate abstract mission requirements into concrete hardware architectures and verification plans that guide the development team. Success in this role depends on your ability to manage concurrent design iterations while maintaining strict traceability from requirements to flight hardware. You will mentor junior engineers by providing technical direction and hands-on guidance on optomechanical and photonic integration challenges. Ultimately, this role shapes the technical foundation for next-generation interplanetary communications infrastructure.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define system performance requirements and translate them into actionable engineering designs for optical communications terminals.
• Manage the full lifecycle of optical communications hardware, including rapid prototyping, iterative testing, and design refinement.
• Lead hands-on development campaigns to validate performance, derisk interfaces, and ensure system readiness for deep-space operations.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to balance technical rigor with development speed while maintaining schedule integrity.
• Architect and oversee optomechanical designs that integrate optics, precision mounts, gimbals, and pointing mechanisms into flight-compatible hardware.
• Develop and execute test plans that validate photonic hardware, modem performance, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) subsystems.
• Interface directly with external partners to align on deliverables, resolve technical blockers, and coordinate verification activities.
• Analyze test results and system-level performance data to drive design improvements and mitigate potential in-flight anomalies.
• Document engineering decisions, trade studies, and verification results to support audits, reviews, and future manufacturing activities.
• Support technology insertion and upgrades for evolving mission requirements, ensuring compatibility with emerging optical communication standards.
• Mentor technical staff and junior engineers by providing detailed guidance on integration strategies and test methodologies.
• Represent the optical communications discipline in cross-functional reviews, ensuring alignment with spacecraft-level constraints and objectives.
• Coordinate with mission assurance and quality teams to resolve issues, implement corrective actions, and maintain compliance with program standards.
• Drive the maturation of manufacturing processes and procedures to enable scalable production of flight hardware.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor or Master degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Optical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Possess a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in spacecraft communications, laser communications, or optical systems engineering.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of moving complex technical systems from concept through qualification and operational deployment.
• Have hands-on experience with electromechanical prototyping, specifically integrating optics, precision mounts, gimbals, pointing mechanisms, and electronics.
• Show expert knowledge of photonic hardware, modems, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) subsystems relevant to space applications.
• Exhibit strong communication skills with the ability to drive technical decision-making across engineering groups and stakeholders.
• Display the capability to work independently and make sound technical judgments in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Be willing to travel as required for program reviews, integration activities, and test campaigns at internal or external sites.

Nice to have

• Background in spaceflight hardware qualification and environmental testing relevant to optical payloads.
• Familiarity with New-Space or NASA systems engineering standards and processes.
• Experience working with high-radiation or deep-space avionics and understanding of their impact on photonic systems.

Practical notes

This role is full-time based in Long Beach, California, and requires willingness to travel for program activities as outlined. Relativity is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates requiring reasonable accommodations for the application process to contact accommodations@relativityspace.com. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted.