Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

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.SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.The SpaceX satellite engineering teams develop, produce, and deploy the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments.RESPONSIBILITIES: Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validationRepresent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolutionDefine requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditionsLead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and riskreduction testingParticipate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliabilitytesting, and fault injection testingDefine and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systemsReview test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolutionMaintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities dataInterface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordancewith overall project goalsCollaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testingRepresent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendorsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline5+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanicaldesign or testing3+ 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 disciplineProficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZemaxHands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systemsExperience with 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 components Opto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and steering mechanismsKnowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, 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 communications productsExperience with hardware development for high-reliability applicationsExperience with pointing, acquisition, and trackingKnowledge 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, laser sources)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: $140,000.00 - $230,000.00Your 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.Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.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.