Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Salary: $105,000–$120,000 / yr
Posted: today

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k

This role $112k

$94k most similar roles pay here $204k

This role pays less than 85% of similar roles. Most pay $135,000–$193,000 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $112k versus about $164k 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 604 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$155,000 across 440 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

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Join the SpaceX satellite engineering team as a Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield) and contribute to developing cutting-edge free-space optical communication systems for Starshield satellites. You will design, validate, and operate laser communications terminals and imaging products, focusing on opto-mechanical design and analysis with precision mounting and steering mechanisms. Essential skills include hands-on experience in optics, photonics, or electrical/mechanical testing, along with proficiency in programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, or Python. This role involves working at the forefront of satellite technology to solve complex optical engineering challenges on a large scale.

Skills

Python C++ MATLAB Opto-mechanical design Precision mounting Steering mechanisms Free-space optical system Laser technology Photonics Electrical/mechanical design Electrical/mechanical testing

What you'll do

Design and analyze opto-mechanical systems for precision laser communication terminals.
Develop validation procedures for free-space optical communication systems.
Operate and maintain advanced laser communication equipment in a laboratory setting.
Optimize mechanical components for accurate steering mechanisms in space lasers.
Write software scripts to automate testing and analysis of optical systems.

What we're looking for

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or related STEM field
2+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design/testing
Experience with opto-mechanical design and analysis, including precision mounting and steering mechanisms
Proficiency in at least one computer programming language (C++, MATLAB, Python)
Ability to work on cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and imaging products
Conform to U.S. Department of State ITAR requirements

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