Optical Transceiver Engineer

About Ephemeris Net

We are extending the internet to space.

Ephemeris Net is a pre-seed space networking company on a mission to provide space connectivity for all through collaborative engineering of commercial space networking solutions. We are creating the infrastructure that will enable the space internet beyond bent pipe—starting with foundational networking infrastructure that will define how data moves through space.

We are supported by our parent incubator SOE, preparing to launch our first payload that will demonstrate a space-based router in Q1 2027. While our work will be incremental, we believe that now is the chance to build foundational infrastructure for how the internet will work in space within the next 5 years.

The role

We are looking for an Optical Transceiver Engineer to own the design, build, test, and fly a custom 100Gbps coherent optical transceiver. This is a responsible engineer role.

On the digital side, you interface with the DSP DAC (transmit) and DSP ADC (receive). On the optical side, you interface with the fiber amplifier. Between those boundaries, you own the full analog and optical signal chain: RF amplifiers, IQ modulators, optical hybrid, balanced photodetectors, transimpedance amplifiers, and all associated optics and lasers. You will be supported by an electrical engineering team for PCB design. You will make the most sensitive 100Gbps receiver ever flown and then scale it to mass manufacturing.

This role will report to the CTO and founder, Nicolas Brown.

Key Responsibilities

Transceiver Design & Build

• Design and assemble the coherent optical transceiver from bulk components: IQ modulator, 90-degree optical hybrids, balanced photodetectors, RF amplifiers, and transimpedance amplifiers
• Select and characterize components at the operating wavelength; manage vendor relationships for specialty optical and RF parts
• Design the free-space and fiber optical layout, including alignment fixtures and opto-mechanical packaging
• Define electrical interface requirements (impedance, bandwidth, linearity) for the RF signal chain and hand off PCB specifications to the electrical engineering team
• Own the transmit and receive signal chain performance from DAC output to optical output (Tx) and from optical input to ADC input (Rx)
  
  

Test & Characterization

• Develop and execute bench-level test plans for the transceiver: modulation quality (EVM, constellation diagrams), noise figure, bandwidth, and optical power budgets
• Characterize coherent detection performance including homodyne/intradyne receiver sensitivity, common-mode rejection, and phase noise
• Work with the DSP team to close the loop between analog hardware performance and digital signal processing algorithms
• Drive iterative performance optimization from first light through flight-ready hardware
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

What we're looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, photonics, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4 years of hands-on experience designing or building robust, precision electro-optical instruments either in fiber or free space
• Working knowledge of coherent detection architectures: IQ modulation/demodulation, balanced detection, optical hybrid operation
• Proficiency with RF and microwave test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes) and optical instrumentation (OSAs, power meters, interferometers)
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working at non-telecom wavelengths
• Familiarity with space-qualified hardware design, environmental testing (thermal, vibration, radiation), or flight heritage optical systems
• Experience specifying analog PCB requirements for high-bandwidth RF signal chains (TIA, driver amplifiers, bias networks)
• Graduate degree in a relevant field
• Active security clearance
  
  

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $160,000 - $250,000, based on experience
• Generous equity package (early hire equity)
• Comprehensive health care coverage
• Unlimited PTO (we expect you to take at least 4 weeks per year, and leadership does the same)
  
  

Work Environment

• Hybrid work model: 3 days per week in our office/lab based on project needs

• During critical phases: When we are in integration, test, or launch prep mode, expect to be in the office more frequently for coordination with the mission team
• Expected travel: Up to 25% (customer meetings, supplier visits, launch campaign, partner sites, integration sites, other Ephemeris offices)
• Small team environment
• Autonomy and space to define how we work and execute
  
  

The Opportunity

• Build something that does not exist yet: The unique aspects of this device means it is impossible to buy off the shelf.
• Bench to orbit: Your hardware will fly. You will take this from bulk optics on a breadboard to a space-qualified transceiver.
• Build the space internet: Work on technology that will fundamentally change how space networks operate.
  
  

Our Vision and Values

Ephemeris Net's vision is to enable an open, space internet that anyone can utilize and access.

We believe that access to better digital connectivity is essential for human progress and that space is the frontier of digital connectivity. We believe that collaboration within market competition is the most effective way to expand the internet into space. Using Ephemeris Net to build space network solutions is how we can proliferate digital connectivity, collaboration, and "the raising of all boats" while achieving a commercial impact.

We Care Deeply About

• Access to connectivity for all
• Collaboration that raises all boats; we focus on win/win deals
• Commercial impact: building solutions people value and buy
• Personal growth and creating a place where people build their careers
• Putting good out into the world through the work we do and our interactions with each other
  
  

We are building a company people feel great about working at. We are seeking people who are open and actively seeking growth - both technical and personal. We value honesty, creativity, and a culture of ownership.

About our locations

El Segundo, CA: Located in the heart of the aerospace industry, surrounded by SpaceX, Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of space startups. A unique ecosystem where strangers on the street are excited about space.

Oakland, CA: Right off BART. Close collaboration opportunities with UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area networking and space research communities.

Ephemeris Net is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.