Optical Test Engineer (Integration & Test)

SpaceX; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 117,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Test Engineer to design and operate optical test systems essential for validating hardware critical to Starlink satellite operations. You will work closely with design and production teams to ensure that hardware meets design intent, automate test procedures, and instruct other team members on equipment usage.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline, with experience in optical systems and a commitment to quality and efficiency. Strong programming skills and problem-solving abilities are crucial for success in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, or laser technology.
• Ability to design and operate optical metrology equipment.
• Proficiency in programming for automation of testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems.
• Automate optical test equipment and data collection.
• Develop production procedures for high-rate production.

Skills

Optics

Photonics

Laser technology

Optical analysis tools (ZEMAX)

Programming (Python, C/C++)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering

Tools

Optical test equipment

CAD

Job description

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER (INTEGRATION & TEST)

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 of enabling human life on Mars.

The Space Lasers Test team designs, builds, and operates the systems used to validate the space lasers system as well as other optical payloads (imagers and transceivers) that are critical to Starlink satellite operations. As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware. This role will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that 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, 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
• 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.)
• Proficiency with 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
• Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware
• Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
• Strong sense of 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 25 lbs. unassisted
• Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

• Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
• Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

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 SpaceX. 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 SpaceX 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.

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.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].