Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink

SpaceX's Starlink Space Lasers team is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop laser communications terminals and imaging products for satellite constellations. This role focuses on free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for next-generation satellite communication and navigation systems.

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Define requirements for high-performance optical systems in challenging environmental conditions and lead optical architecture definition through trade studies 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
• Interface with manufacturing, supply chain, software, and automation teams to ensure designs meet project goals and develop testing protocols

• Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related STEM 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 such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligible ITAR authorization status

• 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 techniques, and signal integrity principles; experience with free-space optical principles and precision metrology
• Experience leading development of commercial communications products and hardware development for high-reliability applications
• Competence with optical test equipment; experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
• Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
• Knowledge of pointing, acquisition, and tracking; understanding of atmospheric optical effects

Base salary $105,000-$145,000 (Level
1) or $120,000-$175,000 (Level
2), determined case-by-case based on experience and qualifications. Eligible for long-term incentives (stock or cash awards), discretionary bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays annually. Company shuttles available from Seattle locations to Redmond office.