Optical Transceiver Engineer, High Speed Links, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $105,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted: 84 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live today
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $169k

This role $125k

$94k $211k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays less than 87% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$200,000 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $125k versus about $169k 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 851 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 590 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Optical Transceiver Engineer, High Speed Links, Satellites

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The Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satellites (Starlink) joins the Starlink Space Lasers team to develop optical physical layer systems for a satellite constellation. This role involves designing, validating, and operating optical datacom systems to convey high bandwidth data within payloads. Key responsibilities include performing trade space analysis to minimize SWaP-C, conducting environmental and functional qualification testing, leading anomaly investigations, and maintaining link models. Candidates must apply interdisciplinary knowledge across photonics, electrical signals, and mechanical engineering. Required skills include experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity, along with proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python. Preferred expertise includes using simulation tools like Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, or Zemax, and hands-on experience with lasers, modulators, fiber optics, and high speed drivers.

Skills

Photonics SERDES Optical DSP Signal Integrity Python C++ MATLAB Linux Keysight ADS VPI Photonics Lumerical Interconnect HFSS CST Zemax Fiber Optics Spectrum Analyzers Vector Network Analyzers Bit Error Rate Testers Time Domain Reflectometers Optical Test Equipment

What you'll do

Design, analyze, and validate optical datacom systems using photonics, electrical, and mechanical engineering principles.
Perform trade space analysis to minimize SWaP-C while meeting throughput and reliability requirements.
Execute verification testing including environmental, functional, reliability, and fault injection testing.
Lead anomaly investigations and resolve technical issues based on reviewed test data.
Maintain link models, design specifications, and system capabilities data.
Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure designs are manufacturable.
Develop tools and protocols with software teams for automated link tuning and qualification.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or another engineering/STEM discipline.
1+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design.
1+ years of experience in a computer programming language such as C++, MATLAB, and/or Python.
Master's degree or PhD in physics, computer science, or an engineering/STEM discipline (preferred).
Proficiency with data communication system simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, or Lumerical Interconnect (preferred).
Proficiency with signal integrity design tools such as HFSS, HFSS 3D Layout, or CST (preferred).
Proficiency with optical design tools such as Zemax (preferred).
U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.