Principal Optical Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX 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 SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARFALL)SpaceX optical systems require a powerful blend of theoretical expertise, hands-on implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained environments.As a Principal Optical Engineer, you will own free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for a navigation sensor combining a visible camera and infrared (IR) sensing. You will set product vision at the system level, lead design of optics, detectors, circuit boards, precision mechanisms, and mechanical enclosures that must survive extreme loads and the harsh environment of space, and ensure the product can be manufactured at high rate.You will dive into technical details, drive architecture and design trades, mentor engineers, and build the team’s technical bar. Beyond hardware design, you will analyze, validate, and troubleshoot electronic/optical assemblies; define processes; design circuits, fixtures, and tools; and identify opportunities to improve both products and processes. You will directly contribute to mission-critical navigation applications.RESPONSIBILITIES:Drive product vision and system-level architecture for a visible-camera and IR navigation sensorApply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validationDefine requirements for high-performance optical/IR navigation sensors in challenging environmental conditionsLead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk-reduction testingDrive detailed trades across optical, IR, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing constraints for high-volume productionDesign next-generation optical/IR sensor hardware for high-rate manufacturingMentor optical, electrical, and systems engineers; review designs and raise the technical standard of the teamInterface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goalsPerform and oversee verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault-injection testingDefine and lead field testing of optical experiments and navigation sensor systemsReview test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolutionOwn performance budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities dataCollaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical/IR testingCommunicate technical direction, risks, and recommendations to program leadershipBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline8+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, imaging, infrared sensing, or electrical/mechanical design or testing8+ 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 disciplineExperience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical productsDemonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical teams without relying solely on formal authorityProficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZemaxHands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of imaging or IR systemsExperience designing mixed-signal circuits, processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, SERDES, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, and power supply componentsOpto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and alignmentKnowledge of and experience in cameras, IR detectors, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principlesKnowledge of and experience in free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing and integration processesExperience leading development of commercial or high-volume productsDesigning hardware for high-reliability applicationsExperience with imaging, navigation sensing, or multi-spectral (visible + IR) systemsKnowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effectsAbility to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available dataAbility to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphereCompetence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, sources, cameras)Experience with infrared system alignment and characterizationCompetence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skillsADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Working extended hours and weekends as neededNote that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testingCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 3: $190,000.00 - $285,000.00Your 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 SpaceX. 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 accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.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. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX 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 SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to View email address on click.appcast.io.