Chief Architect, Free-Space Optical Communications

Location: This role will be based at our Broomfield, Colorado, office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Travel: Up to 5 %

Job ID: 1621

The Role: We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Chief Architect to join our team. This position reports directly to Skyloom's VP of Engineering as a member of the Engineering & Operations leadership team. As Chief Architect, you will lead the architecture, design, and development of next-generation Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs) for government and commercial space applications. You will drive system architecture, optimize end-to-end optical communication performance, and contribute to innovation in areas including free-space optical communications, adaptive optics, beam steering, and laser propagation. This role also provides technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams while helping shape the future of Skyloom's optical communications products. Chief Architect with Free Space Optical Communication Terminal Expertise As a Chief Architect, you will design, implement, and optimize free-space optical communication terminals across government and commercial customers. You will analyze and improve system performance metrics—such as wavefront error, SNR, and BER—while contributing to innovation in areas like atmospheric turbulence mitigation, adaptive optics, and laser propagation. This role also offers leadership opportunities, including guiding projects, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to R&D shaping next-generation OCT products.

Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate has led the architecture and development of Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs) or Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems for commercial or government space applications. You bring deep expertise in optical communications system architecture with hands-on experience developing complex optical communication systems. Direct experience with Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs), LEO optical networking, and high-speed optical communications (100 Gbps or greater preferred) is strongly desired.

Responsibilities: Lead engineering activities for an optical communications payload from concept through launch Define, analyze, and validate system and subsystem requirements for space environments Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop integrated communication solutions, focusing on system architecture, performance, and reliability. Derive quantified requirements for optical communication terminals using analytical techniques, numerical modeling, and bench-top testing. Conduct hardware/software validation of optical communication systems and subsystems Provide technical support for integration and troubleshooting of optical systems and develop root cause analysis for products exhibiting non-conformances in the optics subsystem. Analyze large amounts of laboratory data for validation and improvement purposes. Provide clear and rigorous presentations/reports on the subjects listed above, effectively communicating with a broad range of cross-functional teams. Communication & Teamwork Skills Own critical design review processes, ensuring quality, completeness, and compliance Lead system-level test planning, verification, and compliance analysis Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams (RF, software, FPGA, integration, quality, operations) Present program updates and technical solutions to internal/external stakeholders Mentor and support team members within a collaborative engineering environment Possess excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts clearly and efficiently across a range of subject areas, engaging with management, peers, and suppliers. Organize and deliver assigned projects independently according to the project schedule. Demonstrate enthusiasm for working on multiple projects simultaneously in a self-directed manner, thriving in a fast-paced, multi-cultural startup environment.

Requirements: 10+ years of experience designing and developing Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems or Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs). Demonstrated experience in optical system design, modeling, and validation. Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience. Practical experience with fiber optic and free-space optics laboratory setups Familiarity with relevant communication standards and coding techniques Strong understanding of wavefront errors, SNR, BER, and link budgets Exhibit strong analytical skills for building models and solving complex problems. Experience with optical simulation/modelling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, Python) Knowledge of adaptive optics, beam steering, Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT), and pointing error impacts. Team player with strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge in the development of space optical instruments, especially in the field of telescopes, spectrometers, and interferometers within an industrial or scientific environment. Strong quantitative data analysis abilities using tools such as Matlab, Python, or equivalent. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Preferred Experience Space-flight industry experience Laser Safety knowledge Experience transitioning an optical product into production Direct experience with Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) and high-speed optical communication systems, including 100 Gbps LEO optical networks. Spanish speaking is a plus Compensation The approximate base salary range for this position is $ 167,808 - $ 219,704. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits.

Benefits will be provided by Skyloom, Inc., an IonQ Company, and will differ from the benefits listed on the IonQ website. Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!