Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Paid vacation and holidays

Paid sick time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company based in Redmond, WA is searching for an Optical Engineer to develop and validate optical systems for their innovative Starlink project. This role involves applying knowledge of optics and photonics in system development while collaborating across teams. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and have at least 2 years of relevant experience in optics or laser technology. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing.
• 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g., C++, MATLAB, and/or Python).
• Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications.

Responsibilities

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development.
• Define requirements for high-performance optical systems.
• Participate in verification testing and define field testing of optical experiments.

Skills

Optics and photonics knowledge

Hands-on experience in optics

Computer programming skills

Ability to solve complex problems

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline

Tools

Zemax

Python scripting

Optical test equipment

Job description

Overview

Redmond, WA

SpaceX was founded with the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. SpaceX is developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems. We are seeking engineers to contribute to laser communications terminals and imaging products for the Starlink constellation. SpaceX optical systems require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and the ability to solve complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained environments.

As a SpaceX optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will help shape the future of laser communication systems and contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking systems for precise navigation in space environments. You will build reliable, efficient systems by leading and collaborating across teams.

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-performance 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 within project goals
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
• Represent laser communications systems in reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
• 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
• 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g., C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
• Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
• Knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
• Knowledge of free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing and integration processes
• Experience leading development of commercial communications products
• Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
• Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking
• Knowledge of atmospheric optical effects
• Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions with incomplete data
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding environment
• Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
• Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
• Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Requirements

• Working extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: Space Lasers Engineer/Senior: $135,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is part of a total rewards package including potential incentives, stock options, and other benefits.

Benefits include comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, paid vacation and holidays, and paid sick time where applicable. Washington State employees accrue paid time off per state law. Company shuttles may be offered from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office.

Legal and Compliance

To conform to ITAR export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. lawful permanent resident, a protected individual, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR where applicable.