Sr. Optical Network Engineer (Starlink)

United States Digital Space LLC; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Bonuses potential

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation & holidays

Company shuttle

Job summary

United States Digital Space LLC in Redmond, WA is seeking a Sr. Optical Network Engineer to design and develop optical connectivity for the Starlink ground network and to scale the network's physical layer.

The role requires a BS in engineering and 5+ years of optical test and automation experience, with DWDM and photonics knowledge, plus Python or MATLAB scripting for data analysis. It offers a competitive salary, stock options, comprehensive benefits, and relocation/shuttle support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer engineering, applied physics, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years designing optical experiments and building test automation.
• Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems and photonics.
• Experience in optical network design, planning and DWDM performance analysis.
• Scripting experience (Python, MATLAB) and data analysis.
• Willingness to work extended hours or weekends for mission-critical deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain lab and production test stations for product qualification and root cause analysis.
• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python for engineering design verification.
• Collaborate with ground networking and space network teams to scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow.
• Develop tools to monitor health and availability of the optical infrastructure and lead reliability improvements.

Skills

DWDM transmission systems

Integrated photonics

IP networking fundamentals

Data extraction & analysis

Python scripting

Initiative & independence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical / computer engineering or applied physics

Tools

Python

MATLAB

SQL

Job description

SR. OPTICAL NETWORK ENGINEER (STARLINK)

the company was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today the company is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal ofenabling human life on Mars.

At the company we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are building a global fleet of gateway stations to support the Starlink network and make up the internet interfacing backbone of the network. We are looking for creative and driven optical engineers to spearhead the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions that bind thousands of satellites in the space to the internet points of presence across the globe. Engineers on this team are curious about new possibilities, have strong judgement, and work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure

• Develop and maintain lab and production test stations for new product qualification and root cause analysis of operational fleet hardware

• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python for engineering design verification

• Work with ground networking and space network teams to scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow

• Develop tools and solutions to proactively monitor the health and availability of the optical infrastructure and lead continuous reliability improvement initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or an engineering discipline

• 5+ years of experience in designing optical experiments and developing test automation (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience all qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and work both independently and within team to achieve high-quality results

• Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, and/or integrated photonics or optical subsystems

• Experience in optical network design, planning, and DWDM system performance analysis

• Hands-on experience with optical device or system level test and characterization

• Experience in designing and creating test software infrastructure

• Experience in any scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

• Experience performing data extraction, visualization and analysis using programming languages (e.g., Python) or SQL

• Experience with IP networking and traffic flow fundamentals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:

Level 3: $165,000.00 - $270,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at the company. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the the company Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

the company is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with the company is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out [e-mail]*.*