Photonics Engineer: Space Fiber Amplifier Systems

SpaceX; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Company shuttle

Job summary

SpaceX in Redmond, WA, is seeking a Photonics Engineer to advance fiber amplifier systems for Starlink laser communications. You will define requirements, architect and validate designs, and verify performance under extreme space environments.

The role collaborates with manufacturing, reliability, and software teams to automate tests and ensure producibility. A strong background in fiber optics and programming is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, or related STEM field.
• 2+ years in fiber-based optical systems, integrated photonics, or fiber laser tech.
• 1+ years programming in C++, MATLAB, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop fiber amplifier systems for laser communications, including requirements and design validation.
• Perform environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure design producibility.
• Represent photonic system in cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution.
• Lead optical architecture definition and risk reduction testing.
• Investigate anomalies through to resolution and maintain design data.
• Work with software teams to develop tools for automated testing of fiber amplifiers.
• Present laser communications systems in reliability discussions with stakeholders.
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors.

Skills

Fiber optics

C++

Python

MATLAB

Laboratory work

Education

BSc in Physics or Optics or EE

Tools

Power meters

Spectral analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Laser sources

Beam profilers

Job description

SpaceX in Redmond, WA, is seeking a Photonics Engineer to advance fiber amplifier systems for Starlink laser communications. You will define requirements, architect and validate designs, and verify performance under extreme space environments.

The role collaborates with manufacturing, reliability, and software teams to automate tests and ensure producibility. A strong background in fiber optics and programming is essential.