Space Lasers Engineer Starlink

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

SPACE LASERS ENGINEER (STARLINK)

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops produces and deploys the most cuttingedge satellite freespace optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency which requires engineering precise and highperformance electrooptical and optomechanical systems.

As a laser communications engineer you will be responsible for freespace optical communication system design validation and operation. You will help shape the nearearth laser communication system baseline. Yo will build a reliable efficient highdatarate laser communication system by leading optical system design and verification. Your optical expertise will shape SpaceXs capabilities to transmit highrate data around the world via laser communication systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system development including design analysis and validation
• Represent the laser communications system in programlevel crossdisciplinary trades and issue resolution
• Define requirements for highdatarate laser communication systems in challenging environmental conditions
• Lead laser communication architecture definition through internal trade studies concept of operations definition and risk reduction testing
• Participate in verification testing including environmental qualification performance characterization reliability testing and fault injection testing
• Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
• Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
• Maintain link budgets design specifications and system capabilities data
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts and tools
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams management customers and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 2 years of handson laboratory or work experience in optics photonics laser technology or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab student project or internship experience qualifies)
• 1 years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C LabVIEW and/or Python)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
• Handson experience in optical design or system design integration and test of laser communication systems
• Knowledge of and experience in lasers photodiodes fiber optics optics testing/troubleshooting techniques and signal integrity principles
• Knowledge of and experience in freespace optical principles optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques precision metrology techniques manufacturing and integration processes
• Experience leading development of commercial communications products
• Experience with hardware development for highreliability applications
• Experience with pointing acquisition and tracking
• Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects
• Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
• Ability to work in a fast paced autonomously driven and demanding atmosphere
• Competence with optical test equipment (power meters interferometer laser sources)
• Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
• Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Working extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder) (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158 or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race color religion gender national origin/ethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceXs Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to.