Space Lasers Engineer; Starshield

Space

X 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 Space

X is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

Starshield leverages Space

X’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.

Space

X is looking to hire a satellite electro‑optical engineer to work with a brilliant and passionate team of engineers. You will own the design, testing and on‑orbit operations for the Starshield space laser.

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation.
• 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.
• 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 produced in accordance with overall project goals.
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts and tools.
• Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors.

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 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++, LabVIEW, and/or Python).

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
• Hands‑on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems.
• Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles.
• Knowledge of and experience in 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 and experience in atmospheric optical effects.
• Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere.
• 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.
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

• Working extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive Space
  
  X missions. If so, you will be subject to pre‑employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.

Pay range:

Space Lasers Engineer/Level I: $ – $ per year

Space Lasers Engineer/Level II: $ – $ per year

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…