Optical Engineer, Starlink Satellites: Laser Communications

InvestedintheMission; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation 3 weeks and 10+ holidays

Shuttle service to Redmond office

Job summary

SpaceX seeks an Optical Engineer for Satellites (Starlink) in Redmond, WA to design, validate, and operate free-space optical systems. You will shape laser communication terminals and imaging products for Starlink and lead development across hardware and test environments.

The role requires hands-on optics experience, programming skills (C++, MATLAB, Python), and strong communication in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Hands-on optics or photonics experience.
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and validate free-space optical systems.
• Define requirements for high-performance optical systems.
• Lead optical architecture definition and risk reduction testing.
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain for producible designs.
• Collaborate with software/automation teams on optical testing tools.

Skills

Optics experience

Programming (C++, MATLAB, Python)

Lab experience in optics

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics/electrical engineering or related STEM

Tools

Zemax

Job description

SpaceX seeks an Optical Engineer for Satellites (Starlink) in Redmond, WA to design, validate, and operate free-space optical systems. You will shape laser communication terminals and imaging products for Starlink and lead development across hardware and test environments.

The role requires hands-on optics experience, programming skills (C++, MATLAB, Python), and strong communication in a fast-paced setting.