Optical Test & Metrology Engineer for Space Systems

Future Ventures; Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Test Engineer for the AI Satellites (Starmind) program to design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems for flight hardware. The role requires interfacing with design and production teams to validate hardware against design intent and to automate test procedures and data collection.

You will support validation testing, develop test fixtures, and train technicians, applying optics knowledge to laser communications and space-qualified hardware.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies).
• Bachelor’s degree is required in physics or engineering; advanced degrees preferred.

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 validation.

Skills

Optics & photonics experience

Python or C/C++ programming

Communication skills

Test automation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering

Master's degree or PhD in physics or engineering

Tools

ZEMAX

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Test Engineer for the AI Satellites (Starmind) program to design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems for flight hardware. The role requires interfacing with design and production teams to validate hardware against design intent and to automate test procedures and data collection.

You will support validation testing, develop test fixtures, and train technicians, applying optics knowledge to laser communications and space-qualified hardware.