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Apolink

Chief Engineer (Optical Comms)

Palo Alto$180k–$220kfulltimemidAdded today

About this role

Apolink seeks a Chief Engineer (Optical Comms) to lead optical communications architecture and design for a LEO data relay constellation. This hands-on technical leadership role owns end-to-end optical link budgets, requirements flowdown, vendor management, and R&D direction for hybrid RF-optical inter-satellite links.

What you'll do

  • Own optical inter-satellite link and feeder-link architecture including wavelength planning, modulation/coding, aperture sizing, and data rate tradespace
  • Develop and maintain end-to-end optical link budgets accounting for coherent receiver sensitivity, point-ahead, Doppler, stray light, and BER performance
  • Author optical requirements and interface control documents with flowdown to vendor, bus, flight software, and ground teams
  • Direct vendor selection, technical diligence, SOW scoping, design reviews, and performance accountability
  • Adjudicate R&D direction including NRE investment decisions and build-versus-buy tradeoffs
  • Ensure compliance with CCSDS O3K and SDA OCT standards for federal programs

What they're looking for

  • LEO-to-LEO optical inter-satellite link design and verification
  • Free-space optical communications and coherent optical transport
  • Link budget analysis and optical system modeling
  • Vendor technical management and NRE program leadership
  • Spaceborne photonics and optical payload design
  • 400ZR/800ZR coherent optical pluggables
  • CCSDS and SDA standards
  • Independent technical judgment and accountability

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and equity package
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Relocation assistance
  • End-to-end constellation optical ownership
  • Early-stage company growth opportunity
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Apolink

Apolink develops satellite relay spacecraft and their embedded software systems for orbital deployment. The company is hiring Flight Software Engineers to build real-time, mission-critical software stacks including device drivers and autonomous fault recovery systems.

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Likely interview questions

  • Describe your hands-on experience designing or verifying optical inter-satellite links between LEO spacecraft. What were the key link budget drivers?
  • Walk us through a coherent transceiver development or integration you led. How did you manage vendor performance and NRE scope?
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