Optical Communications Team Lead

About the Role Bright Silicon Technologies (BST) is replacing vulnerable RF links and bulky mechanical gimbals with solid-state optical solutions. We are defining a new era in lasercoms, going from single-point static links to multi-point agile networks. Our flagship product, OCTANE (Optical Communication Terminal for Advanced NEtworking), is an un-jammable, RF-silent free-space optical terminal delivering secure, high-bandwidth data transport across airborne platforms and ground vehicles and stations, enabling dense mesh networks on high mobility platforms.
We're looking for a technical program leader to take OCTANE from an advanced lab prototype to live airborne demonstrations, including integration into the Air Force. You'll build and lead a team of about six engineers (modem/DSP, FPGA and embedded firmware, optoelectronic hardware, and PAT controls), own the terminal-level architecture and schedule, and make sure the modem, electronics, and our solid-state beam-steering front end (the Lightfield Directing Array) work together as one link. You own how it all comes together and you bring the optical communications know-how to guide the team.

What you'll do

• Lead the OCTANE program technically: roadmap, milestones, risk management, and customer and partner engagement.
• Build, hire, and mentor a team of ~6 engineers, many of them strong in their own discipline but new to optical communications.
• Own the terminal architecture and link budget, and define the interfaces between the optical front end, the fiber-coupled back end, and the modem.
• Work with the modem lead and team on waveform, FEC and multi-waveform strategy that meets SDA and defense interoperability standards.
• Lead terminal integration and test, including lab validation, environmental qualification, and flight demonstrations.
• Coordinate with the optical and controls team on PAT and adaptive optics at the system level (requirements and performance, not algorithm design).
• Bridge R&D, systems engineering, and production to transition OCTANE to scaled manufacturing and new optical comms architectures.

What we're looking for

• BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Hands-on experience building optical communications systems (lasercom, FSO, optical inter-satellite links, or fiber-coupled optical transceivers), from design through integration and test
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex hardware/software integration, as a team lead, principal engineer, program lead, or manager
• Strong systems-level understanding of a communications link: link budgets, modem and physical-layer concepts, and how the optical, electronic, and software pieces interact
• Experience taking a system from prototype to a deployable product
• Ability to guide engineers outside their home discipline and build a team from scratch
• U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual), as the role involves CUI and ITAR material

Nice to have

• Experience with SDA optical standards, JLIS/OIC2, or multi-waveform lasercom architectures
• Experience integrating optical payloads into airborne pods, aircraft, or satellites
• Familiarity with qualification of government payloads

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At BST we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why BST

• Own the terminal from laboratory demonstration through live flight tests, without legacy aerospace bureaucracy
• Build your own team and shape its culture from day one
• Work on a mission that provides un-jammable, low-probability-of-intercept connectivity for contested environments
• Engineer-led culture in Pleasanton, CA, with competitive compensation and equity

  Company Overview

At Bright we are building precision optical systems to guide data for a new era of communication. Our technology introduces an unprecedented level of precision, agility, and versatility to directing light. We are experts in precision engineering, optical design and product development who are delivering technological breakthroughs to revolutionize photonics. The Lightfield Directing Array (LDA) has the potential to revolutionize optical system markets such as laser communication terminals for terrestrial and satellite mesh networks, optical switching for data centers, LIDAR for autonomous car and drones, additive manufacturing, and many others. 
Founded in 2020, Bright Silicon Technologies’ goal is to build an enduring technology manufacturing company, with first product to market in 2026. In this position, you will play a critical role in the creation, launch, and scaling of a new advanced technology product. We offer competitive market salaries as well as equity incentives so that every team member owns a piece of our success. We’re an engineer-led company, and we value efficiently and effectively completing our work while sustaining a long-term work/life balance. 
The company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including, but not limited to the following:

• Equity Incentive Plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision along with other voluntary benefits
• 3% employer contribution to employee 401(K)
• Development and career growth opportunities
• Generous paid time off and paid company holidays