Optical Engineer (Starfall)

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 (STARFALL)

SpaceX optical systems require a powerful blend of theoretical expertise hands-on implementation skills and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time resource-constrained environments.

As an Optical Engineer you will own free-space optical system design validation and operation for a navigation sensor combining a visible camera and infrared (IR) sensing. You will lead design of optics detectors circuit boards precision mechanisms and mechanical enclosures that must survive extreme loads and the harsh environment of space while being producible at high manufacturing rate.

Beyond new hardware design you will analyze validate and troubleshoot electronic/optical assemblies; define new processes; design circuits fixtures and tools; and identify opportunities to improve both products and processes. You will dive into technical details drive architecture and design trades and directly contribute to mission-critical navigation applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development including design analysis and validation of visible-camera and IR sensor architectures
• Define requirements for high-performance optical/IR navigation sensors in challenging environmental conditions
• Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies concept of operations definition and risk-reduction testing
• Drive detailed trades across optical IR mechanical electrical and manufacturing constraints for high-volume production
• Design next-generation optical/IR sensor hardware for high-rate manufacturing
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
• Perform verification testing including environmental qualification performance characterization reliability testing and fault-injection testing
• Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and navigation sensor systems
• Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
• Maintain performance budgets design specifications and system capabilities data
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical/IR testing

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in optical engineering physics or other engineering discipline
• 2 years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics photonics imaging infrared sensing or electrical/mechanical design or testing
• 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 imaging or IR systems
• Experience designing 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
• Opto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and alignment
• Knowledge of and experience in cameras IR detectors 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 or high-volume products
• Designing hardware for high-reliability applications
• Experience with imaging navigation sensing or multi-spectral (visible IR) systems
• 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 sources cameras)
• 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
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
$135000.00 - $170000.00

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 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.