Sr. Optical Engineer
Job description
About the role
SpaceX is at the forefront of developing the Starshield constellation, which aims to enhance national security through advanced capabilities in earth observation, communication, and hosted payloads. The Sr. Optical Engineer will play a crucial role in the design, validation, and operation of free-space optical systems and laser communication terminals, contributing to the success of this innovative project.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Utilize principles of photonics and optics to design, analyze, and validate complex optical systems tailored for various applications.
- Establish performance criteria for systems that must function effectively in demanding environments.
- Lead the architectural design process through comprehensive trade studies, operational concepts, and risk mitigation testing.
- Act as the representative for optical systems in interdisciplinary meetings, addressing trade-offs and resolving issues.
- Execute verification testing, which includes environmental qualification, reliability assessments, and fault injection procedures.
- Oversee field testing for laser communication systems and optical experiments, ensuring data integrity and system performance.
- Analyze anomalies, scrutinize test data, and drive problem-solving initiatives to enhance system reliability.
- Maintain comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, link budgets, and capability data for optical systems.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure that designs are feasible for production.
- Work alongside software and automation teams to develop protocols for automated optical testing processes.
- Communicate the status of laser communication systems to internal teams, management, customers, and external vendors.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's degree in physics, optical engineering, or a related STEM discipline is required.
- A minimum of 5 years of practical experience in photonics, optics, laser technology, or related electrical/mechanical testing environments.
- At least 3 years of proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.
- Candidates must meet ITAR requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Nice to have
- A Master's degree or PhD in an engineering field or physics is preferred.
- Familiarity with Zemax software for optical design is a plus.
- Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems is advantageous.
- A background in opto-mechanical design, including precision steering mechanisms and mounting solutions.
- Knowledge of mixed-signal circuits, FPGAs, SERDES, Ethernet, DDR4, I2C, SPI, and power supply components is beneficial.
- Experience with atmospheric optical effects, infrared system alignment, and signal integrity is a plus.
- Proficiency with optical testing equipment such as interferometers, power meters, and laser sources.
- Experience working in Linux environments and with Python scripting is desirable.
- A history of developing high-reliability hardware or commercial communication products is a significant advantage.
Skills & tools
- Expertise in optical design, validation, and testing methodologies.
- Proficient in laser communication systems and free-space optical principles.
- Strong skills in precision metrology and optical system performance evaluation.
- Programming experience in Python, C++, and MATLAB.
- Familiarity with Zemax for optical design.
- Competence in Linux operating systems.
Practical notes
- Individuals with active security clearances will receive a 10% salary differential, which can amount to an additional $20,000 annually, once they are briefed into a classified program.
- The position may require extended hours and weekend work as necessary to meet project deadlines.
- Employees holding active clearances are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
- Compensation packages may include stock options, long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
- Comprehensive benefits are offered, including medical, vision, dental, 401(k), life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and more than ten paid holidays throughout the year.
About the company
Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.