York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board.

York is seeking an early‑career Electro‑Optical (EO) Engineer to support the integration, validation, and operation of optical communication systems across the spacecraft lifecycle. In this role, you will work closely with technology partners and internal subsystem teams to ensure that vendor‑provided optical communication solutions are successfully implemented, interoperable, and mission‑ready.

EO Engineers at York experience the complete optical communications lifecycle—from proposal and architecture definition through hands‑on hardware activities, systems engineering, test execution, and on‑orbit commissioning. This is a systems‑integration role that is highly vendor‑facing, focused on bringing optical communications systems together rather than designing components.

This role will be fully on-site in our Greenwood Village, Colorado office. 

Responsibilities

• Drive systems‑engineering activities across the full lifecycle of optical communication systems, from requirements through verification and operations.
• Conduct trade studies to evaluate optical communication approaches and ensure compliance with customer requirements.
• Develop optical communications link budgets and assess end‑to‑end performance.
• Define and refine optical communication specifications in alignment with spacecraft design, customer needs, analytical results, and applicable standards.
• Support requirement decomposition and allocation for optical communication subsystems.
• Develop and maintain clear, high‑quality systems‑engineering documentation for major program reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR).
• Oversee vendor delivery of optical communication systems and coordinate technical integration activities.
• Support test execution and troubleshooting using optical test equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Lead cross‑vendor interoperability evaluations and contribute to multi‑partner technical troubleshooting.
• Participate in technical discussions with customers and vendors as a program‑level point of contact.
• Support on‑orbit optical link testing and operational procedure development.
• Serve as an internal subject‑matter resource on optical physics and optical communication fundamentals.
• Travel occasionally to support testing and launch operations.

This role will not have direct reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Ability to script in Python and use Git‑based version control.
• Strong ownership mindset, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for collaborative work in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
• Willingness to work full-time in office in Greenwood Village, CO.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft environmental conditions and the impacts they have on precision optical systems.
• Hands‑on experience in the design, development, or testing of optical communication systems or their components.
• Prior participation in environmental test campaigns for EO components or systems (vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.).
• Background in electronics or electro‑optical integration.

• Active U.S. Secret security clearance or higher.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required.  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.   

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
• Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous 401(k) match.

How To Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the “Apply” link at the top of the page. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed. York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.