Communications Systems Test Engineer

About the role

The Aalyria Space team is building the infrastructure for the next generation of high-speed optical communications, revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks. This role is central to ensuring our coherent optical modem systems perform as designed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the selection and purchase of lab equipment and components to put together test benches needed for the robust qualification of our optical communication systems.
• Set up and conduct lab experiments to evaluate coherent optical modems.
• Utilize lab instrumentation such as Bit Error Rate Testers (BERTs), Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs), high-speed Oscilloscopes, Optical Spectrum Analyzers (OSAs), Optical Power Meters (OPMs), Variable Optical Attenuators (VOAs), and Polarization Controllers.
• Execute optical and electrical performance characterization of discrete components and pluggable coherent modules.
• Analyze results and support debug and optimization of modem performance using Matlab, Python, or equivalent scripting tools.
• Lead root-cause analysis (RCA) and deep-dive debugging of performance issues found during system-level and component testing.
• Prepare and present detailed test reports, summarizing key findings, performance trends, and recommendations for cross-functional review.
• Develop and maintain automated test frameworks for repeatable and scalable evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with design, systems, and firmware teams to validate product functionality against specifications.
• Document test plans, results, and troubleshooting procedures clearly and efficiently.

Requirements

• Active security clearance, or the eligibility to obtain one.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of hands-on lab experience working with high-speed communication systems.
• Solid understanding of Communication Theory and Digital Signal Processing.
• Proficiency with Matlab and/or Python for data analysis and test automation.
• Experience using high-speed optical and electrical test equipment.
• Familiarity with coherent optical communication systems, including optical components such as tunable lasers, Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulators, photodetectors, and EDFAs.
• Exposure to or experience with optical transceivers, coherent DSPs, and transponders.
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., OIF, ITU-T) and protocols relevant to high-speed optical transmission.
• Experience with automated test development and scripting for lab equipment.
• Working knowledge of LabVIEW or other test automation environments.
• Prior experience evaluating optical coherent modules or discrete transmitter/receiver components.

Qualifications

• Qualified as a U.S. person, which includes:
• U.S. citizen or national
• U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158
• Eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.
• Eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance)
• Paid time off
• Equity options

Pay

190,000 - 215,000 USD per year (HQ)

Schedule

Space

Location

Mountain View, CA