FSOC Embedded Controls Engineer

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

Aalyria 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 take part in the development and implementation of a wavefront correction subsystem suitable for high-throughput atmospheric laser communications between Earth and space (at various orbits). The Embedded Controls Engineer will investigate, prototype, develop initial production, ultimately field , maintain and improve the AO hardware and firmware for a Free Space Optical Communications terminal and associated testing and production tools. This requires selecting for the optimal balance of practicality, reliability and affordability from existing off the shelf components. All while supporting and collaborating with the associated team of optical, mechanical, electrical, software and controls engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in a multidisciplinary 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.
• Support transition of prototype development and testing infrastructure to manufacturing.
• Develop real-time control system software for control, monitoring, and telemetry.
• Work on the full life cycle of control system development, from concept to design, integration, testing, and release.
• Create embedded C language, nested, low-latency, closed-loop control systems for optical wavefront sensing.
• Run lab experiments (instrumentation, test, and data acquisition) to validate the capability and robustness of control systems.
• Investigate improvements to reduce latencies and increase uptime and reliability.
• Collaborate with firmware, system, and product platform engineers to implement algorithms and ensure they meet design goals and requirements.
• Contribute to technical requirements in collaboration with the optical, mechanical, and electrical design teams.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Degree in relevant engineering discipline with 3 years of experience in a form of adaptive optics involving wavefront sensing, and correction.
• Proficiency in control design analysis and simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with non-linear systems, using techniques such as gain scheduling and linearization to achieve closed-loop control stability.
• Expertise in converting, implementing, and debugging Control Laws, Digital Filters, and other Digital Signal Processing into embedded C code.
• Experience with adaptive optics feedback and controls algorithm development.
• Track record of successful transition from research to real-world application/product.
• 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.
• Design, model, and implement real-time feedback systems to control light-based hardware, typically combining physics with electronics, software, and mechanical systems.
• Experience designing for harsh terrestrial environmental conditions.
• 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.
• Additional programming experience in Python, Matlab, GoLang and Linux would be helpful
• Experience in Feedback Control Systems.
  
  

This role is crucial for developing robust, reliable embedded control systems that implement cutting-edge communication capabilities in the field of Free Space Optical Communications.

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:

• 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
• Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.
• 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.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

175,000 - 215,000 USD per year (San Francisco Bay Area, California)