Photonics Engineer

This position is for a Photonics Engineer for a large, multi-year contract supporting a cutting-edge and innovative space program. The Photonics Engineer oversees developer progress in designing, developing, and integrating complex photonic payloads into complete mission systems. This position provides Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to the customer’s execution of the Programwith responsibilities that may include, but are not limited to the following:Role Responsibilities:Serves as Program Office technical lead for design, development, and integration of state-of-the-art photonic payloadsProviding technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle to ensure developer progress is in alignment with customer mission objectives and timelinesTranslates mission requirements into detailed technical specificationsPerforms systems- and element-level trade studies to optimize performance, cost, schedule, and riskProvides technical and cost assessment of vendor proposalsReviews technical reports, design artifacts, and program plansEvaluates prime contractor performance at milestone reviews by analyzing compliance with technical requirements and quality of deliverablesOffers recommendations to improve program outcomes and likelihood of mission successDevelops advocacy and outreach briefings for DoD senior leadershipTracks and report progress at multiple levels of contractor and government leadershipCreates models, simulations, and analysis tools and products to model system performance and evaluate mission effectivenessRequired Qualifications:Must be a US CitizenMust possess an active TS/SCI clearance with PolygraphBS or MS degree in relevant Science, Technology, or Engineering field of study12+ Years of work experience in a relevant field, ideally on satellite programs (government or commercial)Technical expertise in physics, optics, and engineering principles, including a subset of the following:Experience with free-space, optical fiber, and/or integrated optical/photonic devicesKnowledge of electromagnetic theory, basic spectroscopy, and non-linear opticsUnderstanding of radiometry and light interaction with materialsPractical experience in handling and operating photonic systemsAnalytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and optimize performanceExperience with environmental qualification of photonic assemblies and componentsEffective communication, coordination, interpersonal, and customer engagement skillsAbility to communicate technical topics to a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertiseExperience with Intelligence Community and/or DoD Program Office best practicesAbility to work in a fast paced, dynamic and team-oriented environment without supervisionDesired Qualifications:16+ years of work experience in a relevant fieldExperience as a PM, PEM, acquisition leader, or CO/COTR in government or commercial programsExperience supporting DoD resiliency programsPeraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

Created: 2025-12-17