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SpaceX · 4 months ago

Space Lasers Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$100K/yr - $120K/yr

2+ years exp

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars, and they are seeking a Space Lasers Engineer to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals for the Starlink satellite constellation. The role involves designing, validating, and operating free-space optical communication systems to enhance data transmission capabilities globally.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceManufacturingNational SecuritySpace Travel

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

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 environmental conditions

Lead laser communication 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, and fault injection testing

Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems

Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution

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

Qualification

OpticsPhotonicsLaser technologyOptical system designPythonOptical analysis toolsPrecision mechanical designOptical component testingRisk assessmentCommunication

Required

Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline

2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

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

Working extended hours and weekends as needed

Preferred

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

Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax

Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems

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

Experience leading development of commercial communications products

Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications

Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking

Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects

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, interferometer, laser sources)

Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization

Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills