Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

United States Digital Space LLC; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Stock purchase plan

Bonuses

Paid vacation

Public holidays

Shuttle service

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC in Redmond, WA, is seeking an Optical Engineer for Starlink satellite laser communications. You will design, validate, and operate free-space optical systems, helping to advance a cutting-edge constellation and mission-critical tracking capabilities.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, lead verification and field testing, and ensure designs meet environmental, reliability, and manufacturability requirements while supporting a fast-paced, high-impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or related STEM field.
• 2+ years hands-on lab or work experience in optics, photonics, laser tech, or precision mechanical design/testing.
• 1+ years of programming experience (C++, MATLAB, or Python).

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to design, analyze, validate optical systems.
• Define requirements for high-performance optical systems in challenging environments.
• Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies and risk testing.
• Participate in verification testing: environmental qualification, performance, reliability, and fault injection.
• Maintain link budgets, specs, and system capabilities data.
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure producible designs.
• Collaborate with software/automation teams for automated optical testing.
• Represent laser communications systems in reliability discussions with teams and vendors.

Skills

Optics & photonics

Laser technology

Programming (C++, MATLAB, Python)

Lab testing

Engineering fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/engineering

Master's or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Zemax

Job description

the company 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 the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

OPTICAL 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 the company 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 the company 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:

• Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
• Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 the company. 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 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 the company 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.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company 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 the company’s Affidative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail]