Senior Optical Engineer: Starshield Laser Communications

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield) to design, validate, and operate free-space optical systems for the Starshield constellation.

You will shape laser communication technology and imaging products, contributing to mission-critical navigation and environmental testing in a fast-paced, high-stakes program. The role requires a strong foundation in optics, 5+ years in related work, and hands-on experience with programming (C++, Python, MATLAB).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related STEM field.
• 5+ years in optics, photonics, laser tech, or related testing.
• 3+ years programming experience (C++, MATLAB, Python).

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
• Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
• Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
• Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
• Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
• Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
• Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data
• Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

Skills

Programming in C++, MATLAB, Python

Optics/Photonic expertise

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or related STEM

Tools

Zemax

FGPA/ASIC knowledge

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield) to design, validate, and operate free-space optical systems for the Starshield constellation.

You will shape laser communication technology and imaging products, contributing to mission-critical navigation and environmental testing in a fast-paced, high-stakes program. The role requires a strong foundation in optics, 5+ years in related work, and hands-on experience with programming (C++, Python, MATLAB).