Optical Engineer, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live 2 days ago Trusted

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $105,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted: 44 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $165k

This role $125k

$94k most similar roles pay here $203k

This role pays less than 88% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$192,500 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $125k versus about $165k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About SpaceX

SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft with the mission of enabling humans to become a multi-planetary species. It operates the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship launch vehicles, as well as the Starlink satellite internet constellation.

SpaceX currently has 680 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 442 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Optical Engineer, Satellites

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Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) joins the Starlink Space Lasers team to develop, produce, and deploy cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and imaging products. The role involves designing, analyzing, and validating optical systems while leading architecture definition through trade studies and risk reduction testing. Key responsibilities include defining requirements for high-performance systems in challenging environments, performing verification testing such as environmental qualification and fault injection, and collaborating with manufacturing and software teams to develop automated testing tools. Candidates should possess expertise in optics, photonics, laser technology, and precision mechanical design. Required skills include proficiency in programming languages like C++, MATLAB, or Python, along with experience using Zemax for optical analysis. The work focuses on solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems to enable mission-critical applications like next-generation star tracking for precise navigation in space environments.

Skills

Optics Photonics Laser Communication Systems Zemax Python C++ MATLAB Linux Fiber Optics Free-Space Optical Communication Precision Metrology Signal Integrity Optical Testing Link Budgets Hardware Development Manufacturing System Design

What you'll do

Design, analyze, and validate free-space optical systems and laser communication terminals.
Define requirements for high-performance optical systems operating in challenging environmental conditions.
Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies and risk reduction testing.
Execute verification testing including environmental qualification, performance characterization, and fault injection.
Lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems.
Analyze test data to lead investigation and resolution of system anomalies.
Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data.
Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure designs are manufacturable.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or another STEM field.
2+ years of experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design and testing.
1+ years of experience with a programming language such as C++, MATLAB, or Python.
Proficiency with optical analysis tools like Zemax and competence with optical test equipment.
Experience in the design, integration, and testing of laser communication systems and high-reliability hardware.
Knowledge of fiber optics, photodiodes, signal integrity, and free-space optical principles.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and perform during extended hours or weekends as needed.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.