Senior Optical Laser Engineer, Space Communications

InvestedintheMission; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, vision and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Company shuttle from Seattle area

3 weeks paid vacation

10+ paid holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Space Lasers Engineer for Starlink, focusing on free-space optical communication systems and imaging products. You will design, validate, and operate laser-based terminals for next‑gen satellites, shaping navigation and tracking in space.

You will lead optical architecture, perform field tests, analyze data, and coordinate with manufacturing. Strong optics background and Python/C++ skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on optics, photonics, laser tech, or precision mechanical design/testing
• 1+ years of programming in C++, MATLAB, or Python
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, CS, electrical engineering or related STEM field

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, design, analysis, and validation
• Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environments
• Lead optical architecture definition and perform risk-reduction testing
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure design-for-manufacture
• Collaborate with software and automation teams for automated optical testing

Skills

Optics & photonics

C++

MATLAB

Python

Hardware design

Laser communication

Linux

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Zemax

Optical test equipment

Power meters

Interferometer

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Space Lasers Engineer for Starlink, focusing on free-space optical communication systems and imaging products. You will design, validate, and operate laser-based terminals for next‑gen satellites, shaping navigation and tracking in space.

You will lead optical architecture, perform field tests, analyze data, and coordinate with manufacturing. Strong optics background and Python/C++ skills are essential.