Advanced Systems Engineer, Free Space Optics (FSO)

General Dynamics

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Hybrid

Quick summary

Work type: Hybrid
Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Salary: $124,445–$132,000 / yr
Posted: 13 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $168k

This role $128k

$116k most similar roles pay here $202k

This role pays less than 83% of similar roles. Most pay $142,500–$193,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $128k versus about $168k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation, ship construction, land combat vehicles, and information technology. It serves customers in the U.S. government, allied governments, and a diverse array of commercial markets.

General Dynamics currently has 1123 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $124,093–$150,385 across 984 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Advanced Systems Engineer, Free Space Optics (FSO)

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As an Advanced Systems Engineer on the Free Space Optical (FSO) communications team, you will define, develop, integrate, and verify FSO products as they mature from prototype to product. You will work across electrical, optical, mechanical, software, and test disciplines to translate customer and mission needs into clear system requirements and practical technical solutions for space, airborne, and tactical ground domains. The role requires applying knowledge of optical fundamentals, including beam propagation, alignment, link budgets, pointing, tracking, and environmental effects. You will utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to develop and maintain system models, requirements traceability, and architectures using tools like Cameo or similar SysML-based platforms. Key responsibilities include coordinating interfaces among cross-functional teams and performing system-level verification while applying technical standards to solve complex problems within the optical communication domain.

What does a Systems Engineer earn?

Median $158250 from 186 postings across 30 companies.

See salary data

Skills

MBSE SysML Cameo Optical Systems System Engineering Requirements Management Systems Development Life Cycle Link Budgets AI

What you'll do

Define, develop, integrate, and verify Free Space Optical (FSO) products from prototype to production.
Translate customer and mission needs into clear system requirements and practical technical solutions.
Develop and maintain system models, requirements traceability, and architectures using SysML-based tools like Cameo.
Apply optical fundamentals such as beam propagation, link budgets, and pointing/tracking to support system design.
Coordinate interfaces between optical, electrical, mechanical, software, and test teams.
Manage the systems development life cycle with a focus on requirements management and modeling.
Provide technical leadership and negotiate solutions to meet challenging customer requirements.
Identify opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation within the engineering process.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or a related field with at least 5 years of experience.
Master's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.
Experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using tools like Cameo or other SysML platforms.
Knowledge of optical fundamentals including beam propagation, link budgets, pointing, tracking, and environmental effects.
Proficiency in requirements management and systems development life cycle.
Strong communication skills with the ability to provide technical leadership and negotiate solutions.

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