Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Linuxcareers; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock incentives

Discretionary bonuses

Employee stock purchase plan

Healthcare coverage

Paid parental leave

Company shuttles

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop laser communications terminals and imaging products for satellite constellations. This role focuses on free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for next-generation satellite links.

You will apply optics knowledge to develop high-performance systems, define requirements, lead verification and field testing, and collaborate with manufacturing, software, and automation teams to ensure robust, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related STEM.
• 2+ years hands-on optics/photonics experience.
• 1+ years experience in C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible ITAR status.

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation.
• Define requirements for high-performance optical systems in challenging environmental conditions and lead optical architecture definition through trade studies 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.
• Interface with manufacturing, supply chain, software, and automation teams to ensure designs meet project goals and develop testing protocols.

Skills

Optics & photonics

Programming (C++, MATLAB, Python)

Lab testing & measurement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, CS, or EE

Tools

Zemax

Optical test equipment

Job description

SpaceX's Starlink Space Lasers team is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop laser communications terminals and imaging products for satellite constellations. This role focuses on free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for next-generation satellite communication and navigation systems.

What You'll Do

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Define requirements for high-performance optical systems in challenging environmental conditions and lead optical architecture definition through trade studies 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
• Interface with manufacturing, supply chain, software, and automation teams to ensure designs meet project goals and develop testing protocols

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related STEM discipline
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing
• 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible ITAR authorization status

Nice to Have

• 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 lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing techniques, and signal integrity principles; experience with free-space optical principles and precision metrology
• Experience leading development of commercial communications products and hardware development for high-reliability applications
• Competence with optical test equipment; experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
• Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
• Knowledge of pointing, acquisition, and tracking; understanding of atmospheric optical effects

Base salary $105,000-$145,000 (Level 1) or $120,000-$175,000 (Level 2), determined case-by-case based on experience and qualifications. Eligible for long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays annually. Company shuttles available from Seattle locations to Redmond office.