Optical Engineer, Satellites (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.

OPTICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITES (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 engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal 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 engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments. You will build reliable, efficient systems by leading

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation

• Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution

• Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions

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

• Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing,

Department: Satellite Bus Engineering