Kratos Defense and Security Solutions · 16 hours ago
Senior Systems Engineer – Optical Ground SME
Colorado Springs, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$130K/yr - $175K/yr
5+ years expKratos Defense and Security Solutions is a leader in assured aerospace communication solutions and services. They are seeking a highly motivated Senior Systems Engineer to provide SME engineering technical support for Optical Ground Terminals and traditional RF ground stations, requiring expertise in modeling optical quality and atmospheric distortions.
ConsultingCyber SecurityGovernmentInformation TechnologyNational SecurityPublic SafetySatellite CommunicationSecurity
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Optical Ground terminal SME
Support SysML modeling as needed
Analyzing customer/stakeholder requirements, decomposing requirements, deriving requirements, and allocating requirements to system and subsystem elements
Develop documentation on all components of the terminal (Telescope, PAT, AO, Optical benches, and supporting computer systems required
Support the development of training material
Working in adherence to structured and defined development processes
Qualification
Required
Experience modelling optical quality and atmospheric distortion
Fried parameter
Zernike polynomial
Strehl ratio
Rytov variance
Hufnagel-Valley model
Understanding of common techniques to acquire a satellite including visible and IR cameras
Understanding of systems to transmit optical energy to a satellite
Understanding of usage, benefits and disadvantages of FSM and AO
Understanding of site engineering of a telescope
Understanding of weather constraints, when can the telescope be active, versus protected
Basic understanding of modems and waveforms used for optical communications
Experience generating link budgets for optical (and RF) links
5+ years engineering
BS in SE, CS, EE, ME, or other engineering equivalent
Familiarity with modern IT infrastructure capabilities to include virtualization, cloud deployment and containerization
Extensive knowledge of Optical ground stations
Working knowledge of space systems, including satellite ground systems
Experience with military space operations
Sense of ownership, urgency, and drive to accomplish results
Current Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI
Preferred
Experience designing the following: Telescopes, FSM, AO
Demonstrated knowledge with Optical systems
Experience working within the Defense and/or Aerospace industry
Experience in ground systems, system engineering, or software is a plus
Experience developing system level models, requirements, and architecture in conjunction with discipline engineering teams
Sharp analytical abilities, excellent communication skills, and capable of working effectively in a dynamic environment
Familiarity with aerospace design and verification processes to include requirements development, validation and verification for conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design
Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
401(k) Savings Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Paid Time-Off (PTO)
Holidays
Education Reimbursement
Company
Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions provides mission critical engineering, IT services, and war fighter solutions.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$943.8MKey Investors
United States Air Force
2025-06-25Post Ipo Equity· $556M
2025-04-17Grant· $30M
2024-02-22Post Ipo Equity· $288M
Leadership Team
Eric DeMarco
President and CEO
B
Ben Goodwin
SVP,Corporate Development & Government Affairs
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-23
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2026-01-22
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