Optical Communications Software Engineer - Modem Integration

Optical Communications Software Engineer – Modem Integration
Bright Silicon Technologies | Pleasanton, CA | Full time

About the Role

Bright Silicon Technologies (BST) develops precision optical systems built around our Lightfield Directing Array (LDA), a MEMS micromirror array for fast, precise control of light. Our OCTANE free-space optical communications terminal brings together free-space optics, fiber-based photonics, and communications hardware to enable high-bandwidth links between ground and airborne platforms.

We’re looking for a software engineer to own modem integration and communications software for OCTANE. You’ll build the software that configures and monitors our (expected to be a COMET) modem, connects it to the terminal’s data interfaces, and manages link operation and recovery. Working with our photonics, firmware, controls, and hardware engineers, you’ll take a working laboratory system toward reliable outdoor and mobile operation, targeting Space Development Agency (SDA) interoperability.

What you’ll do

• Own modem software integration for our free space optical communications terminal. Develop C/C++ software for modem configuration, telemetry, host interfaces, network interface and data transfer.
• Define software interfaces and acceptance criteria, including applicable SDA Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) requirements. Coordinate link states and timing with pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) software.
• Implement link state machines, startup and shutdown sequences, fault handling, and recovery after fades or interruptions.
• Build Python tools and automated bench and hardware-in-the-loop tests. Measure throughput, latency, packet loss, and bit error rate to verify link performance.
• Troubleshoot problems across software, embedded interfaces, modem behavior, interfaces with the next level up in the network, and optical performance

What we’re looking for

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, and at least three years of modem integration and communications software development experience.
• Strong C/C++ skills and experience developing and debugging software on Linux or real-time embedded platforms.
• Hands-on experience integrating communications hardware and debugging hardware/software interfaces using logs, telemetry, protocol captures, and laboratory measurements.
• Experience using Python or a similar language for test automation and data analysis, with working knowledge of communications performance measurements.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice to have

• Experience with SDA OCT standards, compliant optical terminals, or modem and terminal interoperability testing.
• Experience with COMET or other optical communications modems, including configuration, telemetry, and host integration.
• Experience with free-space or fiber-optic communications, including optical link budgets, receiver sensitivity, and the effects of changing received power.
• Familiarity with communications or modem DSP, including modulation, synchronization, framing, forward error correction, or equalization.
• Experience integrating software with FPGA-based systems, including register interfaces and data paths.
• Experience validating link state machines and fault recovery through hardware-in-the-loop testing or field demonstrations on mobile platforms.

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 anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why BST

• Own the software that connects OCTANE’s modem and terminal hardware into a working optical communications link, from bench integration through outdoor testing.
• Work closely with colleagues in photonics, firmware, controls, and electronics. Follow problems across interfaces and see the results in operating hardware.
• Take meaningful technical ownership in an engineer-led company with competitive compensation, equity, and a sustainable approach to work.

Company Overview

At Bright, we build precision optical systems to guide data for a new era of communication. Our team combines precision engineering, optical design, and product development to commercialize the Lightfield Directing Array. Applications include laser communications, optical switching for data centers, lidar, and additive manufacturing.
Founded in 2020, Bright Silicon Technologies is building an enduring technology manufacturing company. You’ll contribute to the development, launch, and scaling of advanced optical products. We offer competitive salaries and equity incentives, and we value effective engineering alongside long-term work/life balance.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Target Compensation: $120000 - $220000 + bonus + equity + benefits

Our benefits include:

• Equity Incentive Plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bright Silicon Technologies is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, association with a member of a protected class, bereavement leave, color, disability (physical, intellectual/developmental, or mental health/psychiatric), exercising the right to family care and medical leave related to serious health condition of employee or family member, child bonding, or military exigencies, engaging in protected activity, gender identity or expression, genetic information or characteristic, marital status, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristic), military and veteran status, national origin (includes language restrictions), pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions, Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL), race (includes hairstyle and hair texture), religious creed (includes dress and grooming practices), reproductive health decision making, sex/gender, and sexual orientation.