Sr. Space Lasers Engineer (Starlink)

SR. SPACE LASERS ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we’re leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world’s most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world’s largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 2M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink’s potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink’s utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

The Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communicate systems in the world. As a member of the team, you’ll help define the laser communication system baseline for multiple company programs. You’ll build a reliable, efficient, high-data-rate laser communicate system by leading optical system design and verification. Your optical expertise will help shape our capabilities to transmit data in orbit.

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:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.