Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (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 of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (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:

Bachelor’s 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:

Master's 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:

Pay range:

Space Lasers Engineer/Senior: $135,000.00 - $195,000.00/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.

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.