Optical Test Engineer for Space AI Satellites

SpaceX; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Test Engineer for AI Satellites (Starmind) to design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems for space-flight hardware. You will work with design and production teams to ensure hardware meets specifications and enable high-rate production through automation.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering and 2+ years in optics/photonics, with proficiency in Python/C++, ZEMAX, and optical test equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of hands‑on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology.
• Hands‑on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.).
• Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate optical 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 and component development, including design, analysis, and validation.
• Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing.
• Develop test plans and maintain design 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.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering

Tools

ZEMAX

Power meters

Interferometers

Laser sources

Fiber optics

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Test Engineer for AI Satellites (Starmind) to design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems for space-flight hardware. You will work with design and production teams to ensure hardware meets specifications and enable high-rate production through automation.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering and 2+ years in optics/photonics, with proficiency in Python/C++, ZEMAX, and optical test equipment.