Optical Transceiver Engineer, High Speed Links, Satellites

SpaceX

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $105,000–$145,000 / yr
Posted: 38 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
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 87% 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 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. Responsibilities include performing trade space analysis to minimize SWaP-C while meeting reliability requirements, conducting verification testing such as environmental qualification and fault injection, and collaborating with manufacturing and software teams for automated link tuning. The position requires expertise in photonics, electrical engineering, and signal integrity. Candidates should possess skills in C++, MATLAB, or Python, along with experience using tools like Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, Lumerical Interconnect, HFSS, or Zemax. Technical knowledge must include SERDES, optical DSP, laser systems, fiber optics, and high-speed drivers to resolve impairments across complex optical links.

Skills

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

What you'll do

Design, analyze, and validate optical datacom systems using photonics, electrical, and mechanical engineering principles.
Perform trade space analysis of optical interconnect technologies to optimize for size, weight, power, cost, and reliability.
Execute verification testing including environmental qualification, functional testing, and fault injection.
Analyze test data to lead the investigation and resolution of system anomalies.
Maintain link models, design specifications, and comprehensive system capabilities data.
Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure designs meet production requirements.
Develop tools and protocols for automated link tuning and operation in collaboration with software teams.
Represent optical datacom systems in risk discussions with internal teams, management, and external partners.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or another STEM field.
1+ years of experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design.
1+ years of experience in a programming language such as C++, MATLAB, or Python.
Proficiency with data communication simulation tools (e.g., ADS, VPI Photonics) and optical design tools like Zemax.
Experience with signal integrity design tools such as HFSS or CST.
Knowledge of lasers, modulators, photodiodes, fiber optics, and high-speed drivers/TIAs.
Competence with optical test equipment and signal integrity test equipment like oscilloscopes and VNAs.
Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible for required export control authorizations.