Senior Space Laser Mission Lead

SpaceX; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock options

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Mission Manager for Space Lasers (Starshield) to own the design, testing, integration, and on-orbit operations of the Starshield Mini Space Laser. You will work across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to deliver high-speed, low-latency optical links from space to ground.

The role requires expert knowledge in laser tech, system design, verification, and mission assurance, with security clearance and willingness to travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science.
• 5+ years hands-on lab or professional work in laser tech, electrical or mechanical systems, or testing.
• Active Top Secret or DOE-level clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead laser communication system design, testing, integration, and on-orbit operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for space lasers definition, requirements, and development.
• Represent Starshield space lasers to the US Government, and as the responsible owner within SpaceX.
• Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing.
• Represent the laser communications system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution.
• Define requirements for high-data-rate laser communication systems in challenging environmental conditions.
• Interface with engineering, manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goals.
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors.
• Ensure on-time deliverables, risk mitigation, and mission success.

Skills

Laser communication

Python scripting

C++

System verification

Electrical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Master's degree or PhD in physics or engineering (preferred)

Tools

LabVIEW

FPGA

PCB design

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Mission Manager for Space Lasers (Starshield) to own the design, testing, integration, and on-orbit operations of the Starshield Mini Space Laser. You will work across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to deliver high-speed, low-latency optical links from space to ground.

The role requires expert knowledge in laser tech, system design, verification, and mission assurance, with security clearance and willingness to travel up to 25%.