Lead Systems Engineer - Aerospace

About the Role 

Bright Silicon Technologies (Pleasanton, CA) is developing high-throughput Free-Space Optical (FSO) terminals designed for ultra-low latency airborne and tactical mesh networks. We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to own the architecture and system integration of our next-generation FSO flight terminals.
In this role, you will bridge higher-level mission concepts and physical flight hardware—translating high-level link budgets and functional block diagrams into flight-ready Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) payloads capable of sub-microradian optical lock under dynamic airborne conditions.

What You’ll Do 

• Drive System Architecture & Optics ICDs:Translate mission requirements and government program goals into technical system specifications. Author comprehensive Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical boundaries for fast-tracking PAT optomechanical sub-assemblies.
• Transform Concepts into Flight/Mobile Hardware: Bridge the gap between system block diagrams and ruggedized physical hardware. Lead component selection, optical bench structural design, and optomechanical integration for SWaP-C optimized payloads deployed on mobile and airborne platforms.
• Lead Multidisciplinary Execution:Drive milestone execution, manage technical trade studies, and align development roadmaps with leadership and key defense/commercial partners for upcoming live tracking and optical comms flight demonstrations.
• Own System Integration & Flight Qualification: Design and oversee environmental, dynamic, and optical verification test plans (including jitter isolation, thermal-vacuum/ambient testing, and line-of-sight stability) to ensure payloads withstand field operation.

What We’re Looking For 

Core Technical Qualifications 

• Education & Background: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Optical Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Domain Expertise: 5+ years of hands-on experience in precision optomechanical architecture, satellite-to-ground or inter-satellite optical links (OISLs), lidar payloads, or airborne optical tracking systems.
• System Trade-Offs & ICDs: Demonstrated experience establishing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) across optical sub-assemblies, dynamic tracking gimbals, and high-precision structural enclosures.
• System Modeling & Trade Studies:Proficiency taking high-level functional concepts and executing optical/mechanical system trade studies, tolerance budgets, and structural layouts using CAD, MATLAB, Zemax, or equivalent analytical tools.
• Test & Integration Expertise: Hands-on experience creating and executing physical integration test plans, and environmental verification.
• This position will work on Government sensitive information (CUI and ITAR) requiring U.S. Person status (citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or a protected individual)

• Direct experience with satellite constellation communications, optical inter-satellite link (OISL) architectures, or SDA (Space Development Agency) optical standards.
• Packaging and integrating precision beam-steering assemblies, fine-pointing mirrors, MEMS arrays, high-power fiber amplifier modules, or semiconductor laser transmitters.
• Familiarity with airborne and space environmental testing protocols (e.g., MIL-STD-810, DO-160, NASA-GEVS).
• Experience with closed-loop PAT control loops and optical tracking algorithms under high-dynamic jitter conditions.
• Experience with space-to-ground, air-to-air, or satellite-based laser communications (OISL/FSO) architectures.
• Hands-on optomechanical integration of beam-steering arrays, fast-steering mirrors (FSMs), transmitter/receiver optical assemblies, or semiconductor laser diode modules.
• Familiarity with thermal, structural (FEA), and stray light analysis for field-deployed optical hardware.
• Track record of designing payloads to MIL-STD-810, DO-160, or NASA/SDA space/flight environmental qualification standards.

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? 

• Direct Hardware Ownership: Move fast without legacy aerospace bureaucracy. You will own the primary optomechanical architecture from initial optical layout through field flight tests.
• Deploy Hard Tech to the Field: Solve non-trivial hardware engineering challenges at the intersection of precision photonics, dynamic motion control, and extreme environmental ruggedization.
• High Impact: Shape the core terminal payload that powers resilient, off-grid optical communications for high-speed network topologies.

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 

EEO STATEMENT 

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.