Advanced Systems Engineer - Free Space Optics (FSO)

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Ability to obtain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

As an Advanced Systems Engineer on the GDMS Free Space Optical (FSO) communications team, you will help define, develop, integrate, and verify FSO products as they mature from prototype to product. You will work across electrical, optical, mechanical, software, and test disciplines to translate customer and mission needs into clear system requirements and practical technical solutions. This role supports multiple programs across space, airborne, and tactical ground domains, with opportunities to own meaningful system engineering work and grow within an experienced, collaborative team.

 

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Develop and maintain system models, requirements traceability, interfaces, and system architectures using tools such as Cameo or similar SysML-based platforms.

• Optical systems understanding: Apply knowledge of optical fundamentals, including beam propagation, alignment, link budgets, pointing and tracking, and environmental effects, to support FSO system design and integration.

• Cross-functional system integration: Use MBSE artifacts and optical-domain knowledge to coordinate interfaces among optical, electrical, mechanical, software, and test teams, and support system-level verification.

 

What sets you apart:

• Success leading the systems development life cycle with strong proficiency with requirements management and system modeling tools
• Creative thinker motivated to apply technical standards and methodologies to develop solutions
• Collaborative team player with the ability to provide technical leadership and position others for success
• Strong presentation and communications skills with experience in the art of negotiation and the ability to meet challenging customer requirements with win-win solutions
• Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others
• Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development. 
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

 

Workplace Options:

This position is fully on-site with occasional Hybrid/Flex available.

While on-site, you will be a part of the Annapolis Junction, MD team.

 

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $124,445.00 - USD $132,000.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans