Mission Manager, Space Lasers (Starshield)

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.

MISSION MANAGER SPACE LASERS (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceXs Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use Starshield is designed for government use with an initial focus on earth observation communications and hosted payloads.

SpaceX is looking to hire a Mission Manager to work with our brilliant and passionate space lasers this role you will own the design testing integration and on-orbit operations for the Starshield Mini Space Laser. These Lasers are designed for seamless integration with satellite manufacturers spacecraft to deliver high-speed low-latency connectivity on orbit enabling real-time tasking continuous command-and-control and immediate data delivery to terrestrial points of presence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply expertise to laser communication system development including design analysis and validation.
• Act as the primary point of contact for space lasers definition requirements and development.
• Act as the representative of Starshield space lasers to the US Government and as the responsible owner within SpaceX.
• Participate in verification testing including environmental qualification performance characterization reliability testing and fault injection testing.
• Represent the laser communications system in program-level cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution.
• Define requirements for high-data-rate laser communication systems in challenging environmental conditions.
• Interface with engineering manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals.
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams management customers and vendors.
• Ensure on-time deliverables risk mitigation and mission success.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering or science discipline.
• 5 years of hands-on laboratory or professional work experience in laser technology electrical or mechanical systems or testing.
• Active Top Secret Top Secret SCI or DOE Level Q clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Masters degree or PhD in physics or an engineering or STEM discipline.
• Experience in designing testing and implementing circuit boards or mechanical components.
• Experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C LabVIEW and/or Python).
• Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum forward error correction and modulation types such as QPSK QAM PCM/FM and PAM.
• Experience with mixed-signal circuits processors FPGAs Ethernet SERDES DRAM interfaces (DDR4) I2C SPI operational amplifiers analog to digital and digital to analog converters and power supply components.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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:

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
• Must pass DoD-level background checks for entry into various government facilities.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Mission Manager/: $130000.00 - $180000.00/per year
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. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential up to an additional $15000 annually once officially briefed into a classified program.

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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual carryover and use requirements of the law.

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.