Optical Investigator

Job Title: Optical Investigator

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Continental US

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The Opportunity:
CACI is looking for an Optical Investigator to join our Photonics team-- we are expanding!  Our laser communications technology is helping NASA provide high-definition video from the International Space Station, and to explore asteroids 250 million miles away.  Our other optical technology can also help scientists discover biohazards; support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and protect soldiers from explosive devices.  Do you have a passion for innovation?  Apply now and join the team!

Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative optical solutions related to optical communications, optical remote sensing, photonic integrated circuits, lasers, optical amplifiers, and optical transmitters and receivers
• Collaborate with customers to reach mutually-accepted set of specifications for complex projects, and flow those requirements down to subsystems in a Systems Engineering effort.
• Develop and employ software for the modeling and simulation of rare earth doped material systems, optical propagation, and optical nonlinearities in both free-space and fiber systems.
• Integration of complex systems involving optics, fiber optics, electronics, software, firmware, and mechanical sub-assemblies.
• First article test of subsystem and system level assemblies for performance verification, stress testing and environmental compliance.
• Alignment of laser and/or optical systems including the development of alignment procedures.
• Troubleshooting of optical system and subsystem failures.
• Development of test procedures and test stations.
• Support transition of engineering prototypes into production.
• Support field testing with occasional travel to off-site and out of state locations.
• Recommend and initiate process improvements and overall development practices.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (preferably Optical Engineering or Physics) with at least five years of applicable experience in optical system integration and test.
• Strong knowledge of free-space optics and fiber optic systems.
• Excellent hands-on and laboratory skills in building, testing, validation, and troubleshooting of optical, fiber optic, electrical, and/or mechanical subsystems.
• Proactive, organized, self-motivated individual, requiring minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain a US government clearance at the level required to perform in the position.

Desired:

• Experience with spaceflight hardware a plus
• Knowledge of space-qualified adhesives a plus
• Working understanding of optical communications including common modulation formats, photo-receiver sensitivities and noise analysis
• Experience in coupling free-space light to single-mode fibers

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What You Can Expect:

 A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose – to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground — in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range:

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$86,600 - $181,800