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Job Description

Sr. Optical Engineer, Production Development (Starlink) at SpaceX

Redmond, WA, United States

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 ENGINEER, PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT (STARLINK)

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for experienced engineers to help lead the full-cycle development of laser communications terminals for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency, which requires engineering precise and high-performance electro-optical and optomechanical systems.

As a senior engineer on the Space Lasers team, you will be responsible for laser communication system design, validation, and operation. You will define the laser communication system baseline for multiple company programs. You will build a reliable, efficient, high-data-rate laser communication system by leading optical system design and verification. Your optical expertise will shape SpaceX's capabilities to transmit high-rate data via laser communication systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 environments

• Lead laser communication architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing

• Participate in validation testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing

• Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution

• Develop test plans and define test systems

• 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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline

• 5+ years of experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing

• 3+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline

• 1+ years of experience in a technical leadership position

• Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax

• Experience leading development of commercial communications products

• Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications

• Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking

• Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data

• Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)

• Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization Experience with thermal, vacuum, and vibration test equipment

• Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment

• 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

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Working extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987) .

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

Job Detail

• Location:
  Redmond, WA
• Company:
  SpaceX