Optical Transceiver Engineer - High-Speed Data Links

SpaceX; Union Hill-Novelty Hill (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Transceiver Engineer to design, validate, and operate high‑speed optical datacom links for Starlink satellites. You will shape optical networks inside payloads with a blend of theory and hands‑on hardware work.

The role requires interdisciplinary skills in photonics, electrical engineering, and systems thinking, plus experience with SI tools, Python/C++, and lab testing. Washington State presence and fast-paced teamwork are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, CS, EE or related STEM field.
• 1+ years in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP, or SDI/test design.
• 1+ years coding in C++, MATLAB, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate optical datacom systems for Starlink payloads.
• Analyze tradeoffs to meet throughput, SWaP-C and uptime goals.
• Support verification testing and anomaly resolution.
• Maintain design specs and link models across teams.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and software teams for automation.

Skills

Photonics

SERDES/Optical DSP

Python

C++

Signal integrity

Data comm testing

Lab experience

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

Tools

HFSS

Zemax

Keysight ADS

Lumerical Interconnect

Job description

SpaceX is seeking an Optical Transceiver Engineer to design, validate, and operate high‑speed optical datacom links for Starlink satellites. You will shape optical networks inside payloads with a blend of theory and hands‑on hardware work.

The role requires interdisciplinary skills in photonics, electrical engineering, and systems thinking, plus experience with SI tools, Python/C++, and lab testing. Washington State presence and fast-paced teamwork are expected.