This role pays less than
89%
of similar roles. Most pay
$142,475–$214,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$122k
versus about
$178k
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.
The Optical Engineer (Starshield) joins the satellite engineering team to develop, produce, and deploy advanced free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads for the Starshield constellation. This role focuses on the design, validation, and operation of laser communication terminals and imaging products used for government applications like earth observation and navigation. The engineer will perform technical tasks including defining requirements for high-performance systems in harsh environments, conducting risk reduction testing, managing link budgets, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure production feasibility. Required skills include a degree in engineering or physics, experience with optics and photonics, and proficiency in programming languages like C++, MATLAB, or Python. Preferred qualifications include expertise in Zemax, mixed-signal circuits, FPGAs, opto-mechanical design, and infrared system alignment to solve complex problems within resource-constrained space environments.
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