Optical Engineer: Laser Communications & Imaging

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) plan

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Engineer (Starshield) to contribute to laser communication systems and imaging payloads for Starshield satellites. You will lead optics design, verification, and field testing while collaborating with software, hardware, and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes rigorous analysis, environmental qualification, and risk-driven decision making, with opportunities for advanced degrees and high-reliability applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics or related STEM field required.
• Hands-on optics/photonics lab experience or internship qualifying.
• 1+ years programming in C++, MATLAB, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system design, analysis and validation.

Skills

Optics & photonics

C++

Python

MATLAB

Laser technology

Lab instrumentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering or physics

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax

Lab equipment

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Engineer (Starshield) to contribute to laser communication systems and imaging payloads for Starshield satellites. You will lead optics design, verification, and field testing while collaborating with software, hardware, and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes rigorous analysis, environmental qualification, and risk-driven decision making, with opportunities for advanced degrees and high-reliability applications.