Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Bastrop, Northern (TX, KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP is seeking an Optical Test Engineer for the AI Satellites program in Bastrop, TX. You will design and operate optical metrology systems, validate flight hardware, and automate tests to support high-rate production.

The role requires hands-on optics experience, proficiency with Python/C++, and familiarity with optical analysis tools. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years hands-on optics, photonics, or laser technology.
• Experience with optical test equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems.
• Automate test equipment and data collection.
• Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment.
• Validate optical flight hardware against design intent.

Skills

Optical systems

Python

C/C++

Lab experience

Test automation

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering

Tools

ZEMAX

Power meters

Interferometers

Laser sources

CAD

Job description

Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Bastrop, TX

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 ofenabling human life on Mars.

OPTICALTESTENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX isleveragingits experience deploying andoperatingthe world’s largest satellite constellation to developStarmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demandshighly reliable,high performanceelectrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems mustoperatein the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation,we’relooking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As an Optical Test Engineer you willbe responsible fordesigning, building, andoperatingoptical metrology equipment tovalidateoptical flight hardware. This role willinterface closely withthe design and production teams tovalidatethat hardware meets the design intent. In this role, you will need to automate test procedures and data collection for high volume products, as well as train other team members on the operation of optical test and metrology equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, build, andoperateoptical metrology and test systems
• Use test data to troubleshoot issues with optical flight hardware
• Automate optical test equipment and data collection
• Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment
• Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations
• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades andcomponentdevelopment, including design, analysis, and validation
• Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualificationtestingand reliability testing
• Develop test plans andmaintaindesign specifications and capabilities data
• Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests
• Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)
• Proficiencywith optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX
• Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
• Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
• Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies
• Basicproficiencyin CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
• Proficiencyin programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
• Strong senseof accountability and integrity
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25Ibs. unassisted
• Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed
• 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 .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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.

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