Build the Satellites That Connect the World

NantNova designs, builds, and flies space-qualified optical communication terminals. Join the team behind the SatLight™ series — the next generation of satellite laser links for LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations.

This Is Not Just a Job. It’s a Calling.

NantNova exists to build the optical communication systems that will define how humanity connects in space. Our SatLight™ terminals — from compact 25 mm aperture units to full constellation platforms — are designed, assembled, and space-qualified entirely in the United States. Every subsystem, from photonic modulators to data processing electronics, is engineered under one roof.

Our technology has accumulated 3+ years of continuous on-orbit operation on JAXA’s LEO-to-GEO optical link. We hold 26+ space-qualified SKUs with flight-proven heritage, and our terminals achieve beacon-less acquisition in under 60 seconds. This is real hardware flying real missions — not a slide deck waiting for funding.

When you join NantNova, you don’t work on a fragment of the problem. You see the full arc: optical design, electronic subsystems, satellite terminal integration, and mission operations. Whether you are building the photonic engine, writing the FPGA firmware, or qualifying hardware for launch — your work will operate in orbit.

Why Build With Us

SAT

Space-Qualified Products

Work on optical communication terminals with 26+ space-qualified SKUs and 3+ years of on-orbit heritage. Our SatLight™ series spans compact terminals, constellation platforms, and ground stations — all designed for the demands of LEO, MEO, and GEO.

FLT

Real Impact

Our products are not prototypes waiting for a launch date. They are flying in space right now, enabling optical communication links between satellites. The hardware you build will operate in orbit.

V.I.

Vertical Integration

From photonic subsystems to complete satellite terminal assembly, you see the full picture. Design an optical module in the morning, test a flight unit in the afternoon. No black boxes, no hand-waving.

TEAM

Small Team, Big Mission

Startup energy meets aerospace ambition. Every engineer has a direct line to the mission. You will not be a cog—you will be a critical contributor shaping technical direction and product roadmap.

USA

US Supply Chain

We are building domestic photonic manufacturing capability from the ground up. A 100% US supply chain for space-qualified optical systems—because national security demands it and the technology warrants it.

LEO

On-Orbit Heritage

3+ years of continuous operation on JAXA’s LEO-to-GEO optical communication link. Our flight heritage is not theoretical—it is measured in years of photons crossing the void.

Find Your Role

We are hiring across every layer of the stack—from optical subsystem design to satellite terminal integration. If you do not see a perfect fit, submit a general application.

Photonics Engineering

3 open positions
Sr. Photonic IC Designer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Optical Assembly Engineer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Photonic Process Engineer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Electronics Engineering

3 open positions
RF/Mixed-Signal IC Designer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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FPGA Engineer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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PCB Layout Designer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Systems Engineering

3 open positions
Systems Architect — OCT
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Integration & Test Engineer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Thermal/Structural Analyst
California Full-time
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Operations & Manufacturing

3 open positions
Cleanroom Technician
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Quality Engineer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Supply Chain Manager
California Full-time
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Software

3 open positions
Embedded Software Engineer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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FPGA/HDL Developer
El Segundo, CA Full-time
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Test Automation Engineer
California Full-time
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General Applications

Open applications welcome
Open Application
California Full-time
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Don’t see a role that fits? We are always interested in hearing from exceptional people. Send us your resume and tell us what you want to build.

What We Offer

$

Competitive Compensation & Equity

+

Health, Dental & Vision

PTO

Flexible PTO

401

401(k)

LAB

On-Site Lab Access

DEV

Professional Development

Ready to Build the Future of Space Communications?

Join the team behind the SatLight™ series — space-qualified optical communication terminals flying on real missions today. From photonic subsystems to complete satellite platforms, your work will operate in orbit.