Optical Communications Engineer

Bright Silicon Technologies is seeking an   Optical Communications Engineer to lead the architecture, programming, and implementation of our modems and digital signal processing pipelines. In this role, you will bridge our revolutionary Lightfield Directing Array (LDA) front-end optics with ruggedized back-end electronics, driving the data transport layers for our next-generation Free-Space Optical (FSO) flight terminals and space-to-ground mesh networks.

What You’ll Do

• Modem Programming & DSP: Architect, develop, and optimize high-speed firmware and software for fiber-coupled modems, ensuring robust link establishment and low-latency data throughput under dynamic conditions.
• Error Correction Code Implementation: Design and deploy advanced forward error correction (FEC) algorithms tailored for atmospheric turbulence and high-loss optical channels, maximizing link margin and bit error rate (BER) performance.
• Transceiver Integration & Layout: Drive the implementation and integration of optical transceivers, leveraging telecom C-band hardware layouts and fiber-optic sub-assemblies to seamlessly link back-end electronics with front-end optical apertures.
• Standards Compliance & Interoperability: Ensure back-end waveform and framing architectures align with Space Development Agency (SDA) standards and multi-waveform defense interoperability requirements.
• System Verification & Flight Testing: Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to test, debug, and validate end-to-end optical communication links from laboratory benches to live airborne flight demonstrations.

What We’re Looking For

• Education & Background: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Modem & DSP Expertise: Hands-on experience with fiber-coupled optical modem programming, high-speed digital signal processing (DSP), and FPGA/ASIC implementation for communication systems.
• Error Correction Mastery: Deep theoretical understanding and practical implementation experience with optical error correction codes (e.g., LDPC, Reed-Solomon, soft-decision FEC).
• Transceiver & Hardware Knowledge: Proven experience designing or integrating optical transceivers, opto-electronic components, and telecom C-band fiber optic hardware layouts.
• Standards & Systems Familiarity: Working knowledge of SDA optical standards and defense communication architectures.
• U.S. Person Status: This position involves working with Government sensitive information (CUI and ITAR) and requires U.S. Person status (U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident/green card holder, or protected individual).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with airborne or space-based laser communications (OISL/FSO) architectures.
• Background collaborating with research institutions or national labs.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, or VHDL/Verilog for hardware-software co-design and automated test benches.

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 Join Us?

• Own the Edge of Optical Communications: You will lead the design and implementation of new high-speed optical communications platform, bridging our breakthrough Lightfield Directing Array (LDA) front-end with ruggedized back-end hardware.

  High-Impact Defense Innovation: Solve complex digital signal processing (DSP) and atmospheric channel challenges for next-generation, un-jammable Free-Space Optical (FSO) and space-to-ground mesh networks deployed on advanced defense platforms.

  Shape an Engineer-Led Startup: Join an agile, elite team where your technical ownership directly accelerates our transition from deep-tech lab milestones to scaled production. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that values engineering rigor alongside sustainable work-life balance.

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