Sr. Optical Transceiver Engineer - Speed Links, Satelites; Starlink

SpaceX is seeking a Senior Optical Transceiver Engineer to join the Starlink Space Lasers team, which develops optical communication systems for satellite data transfer. The role focuses on optical physical layer system design, validation, and operation for high-speed inter-satellite links.

• Apply interdisciplinary knowledge in photonics, electrical engineering, and signals to design, analyze, and validate optical datacom systems
• Perform trade space analysis on optical interconnect technologies to optimize size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) while meeting throughput and reliability requirements
• Lead verification testing including environmental qualification, functional qualification, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
• Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution for optical link performance
• Maintain link models, design specifications, and system capabilities documentation; interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated link tuning and qualification

• Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or related STEM discipline
• 5+ years hands-on laboratory or work experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design
• 5+ years experience in a computer programming language (C++, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent)
• Competence with Python scripting and Linux operating system environment
• Experience with optical test equipment (power meters, spectrum analyzers, laser sources) and signal integrity test equipment (sampling oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, bit error rate testers)

• Master's degree or PhD in physics, computer science, or engineering/STEM discipline
• Proficiency with data communication system simulation tools (Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, Lumerical Interconnect)
• Proficiency with signal integrity design tools (HFSS, CST) and optical design tools (Zemax)
• Experience leading development of commercial transceivers and data communications products
• Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
  
  Knowledge of SERDES, signal equalization, lasers, modulators, photodiodes, fiber optics, and photonic integrated circuit testing

Base salary $140,000–$235,000 (Level
3). Eligible for long-term stock incentives, discretionary bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays. Company shuttles available from select Seattle locations to Redmond office.