Optical 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.

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARLINK)

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops produces and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise practical implementation skills and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time resource-constrained systems.

As a SpaceX optical engineer you will be responsible for free-space optical system design validation and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments. You will build reliable efficient systems by leading

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development including design analysis and validation
• Represent the optical system in program-level cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
• Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
• Lead optical 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 manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams management customers and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in physics computer science electrical engineering or other engineering/STEM discipline
• 2 years of hands-on 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 MATLAB 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
• Hands-on 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 free-space 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 high-reliability 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:

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock stock options or long-term cash awards as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage access to a 401(k) retirement plan short and long-term disability insurance life insurance paid parental leave and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday

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.