About Aalyria:

Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.

Role Overview:

The Aalyria Space team is seeking an expert in the development, implementation, and testing of state-of-the-art adaptive optics (AO) systems, including system architecture, algorithms, hardware, and software. In this role, the Engineer will collaboratively lead the development of a wavefront correction subsystem suitable for high-throughput atmospheric laser communications between Earth and space (at various orbits). The AO engineer will investigate, prototype, develop, and ultimately field the AO hardware and firmware for a Free Space Optical Communications terminal, as well as develop the associated testing and production tools. The successful candidate will be able to balance reliability, affordability, and practicality towards a high-performance AO solution. Demonstrated depth and breadth in atmospheric turbulence, laser propagation through the atmosphere, direct and indirect wavefront estimation, wavefront correction, and signal processing are essential skills for the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in a multidisciplinary collaborative team on the development of real-time wavefront estimation and correction subsystems suitable for laser communications.
• Substantially contribute to developing analysis methods, software tools, and DSP algorithms to design and test adaptive optics systems.
• Drive experimental testbed definition, design, development to test and validate AO subsystem performance.
• Run experiments both in laboratory conditions and on fielded systems to maximize learning and iteration towards establishing robust and reliable adaptive optics subsystems.
• Actively lead and participate in the full lifecycle of development: design, implementation, verification, troubleshooting, and delivery of adaptive-optics subsystems 
• Support demonstrations and tests, ranging from laboratory to fielded customer pilot programs. 
• Support transition of prototype development and testing infrastructure to manufacturing.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in relevant engineering discipline with 3+ years of experience in a form of adaptive optics involving wavefront sensing, and/or correction.
• Demonstrated proficiency with laser beam propagation in the atmosphere, including pertinent effects on the amplitude and phase of a laser beam in a communications application.
• Demonstrated experience in the ability to work collaboratively at the intersection of different disciplines (e.g., algorithms, hardware, and software). 
• Ability to efficiently and effectively use real-world hardware and software systems for testing, troubleshooting, and characterization.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and collaboration abilities within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong execution track record in schedule and resource-constrained environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in relevant engineering discipline with 5+ years of industry experience in adaptive optics related application.
• Demonstrated experience in participating in the full development lifecycle of a lasercom terminal or similar system, from design to delivery.
• Prior experience with atmospheric laser communication systems.
• Experience designing for harsh terrestrial environmental conditions.
• Skill in implementing real-time processing in a low-level language such as C/C++ or in an FPGA.

What We Offer:

• Innovative Environment: Work at a cutting-edge company shaping the future of aerospace communications.
• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to critical national security programs and initiatives.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your career with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace where your contributions matter.
• Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements including hybrid remote/in-office schedules.
• Compensation and Equity: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits (401(k), dental, vision, health, life insurance), paid time off, and equity options.

ITAR/EAR Requirements:

This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

(A) Qualify 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

(B) Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.

(C) Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency.

The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.