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

Position: Sr. Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satelites (Starlink)
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 TRANSCEIVER ENGINEER – HIGH SPEED LINKS, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces and deploys systems for transferring data over optical media. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of optical physical layer systems for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (transceivers 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 SpaceX optical datacom engineer, you will be responsible for optical datacom system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of optical data communications and interconnect systems and directly contribute to the optical networks that convey high bandwidth data within our payloads.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Apply interdisciplinary knowledge, spanning photonics, electrical engineering/signals, and mechanical engineering concepts to data communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation

Represent the optical data communication network in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution

Perform trade space analysis between various optical interconnect technologies and approaches to minimize SWaP-C while meeting throughput and reliability/uptime requirements

Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, functional qualification, reliability testing, and fault injection testing

Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution

Maintain link models, design specifications, and system capabilities data Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals

Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated link tuning, operation and qualification

Represent optical datacom systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline5+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design (university lab, student project, or internship experience can apply)5+ 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, computer science, or an engineering/STEM discipline

Proficiency with data communication system simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, or Lumerical Interconnect Proficiency with signal integrity design tools such as HFSS, HFSS 3D Layout or CSTProficiency with optical design tools such as Zemax Hands-on experience in system design, integration, tuning/optimization, and test of data communication systems

Knowledge of and experience in SERDES, signal equalization/conditioning/decision functional blocks, ability to interpret SERDES receiver adaptation details and other queried information along an optical link to identify and resolve impairments

Knowledge of and experience in lasers, modulators, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, high speed drivers and TIAs, optical DSP, SERDES, differential copper channels, and signal integrity principles

Knowledge of and experience in guided mode and fiber optics principles, photonic integrated circuit testing/troubleshooting techniques, manufacturing and integration processes

Knowledge of and experience in signal integrity principles, copper channel testing/troubleshooting techniques, SI feature simulation and optimization, end-to-end modelling of SI impact on system performance

Experience leading development of commercial transceivers and data communications products

Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications

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,…