This role pays more than
59%
of similar roles. Most pay
$135,000–$193,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$165k
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.
As a Senior Optical Engineer at SpaceX, you will join the satellite engineering team responsible for developing cutting-edge free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads for Starshield satellites. Your primary responsibilities include designing, validating, and operating advanced laser communications terminals and imaging products. You will leverage opto-mechanical design expertise to create precision mounting and steering mechanisms, ensuring high accuracy in space-based optical systems. Proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python is essential for simulation and analysis tasks. This role demands a Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related STEM field, along with 5+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design/testing.
Python
C++
MATLAB
Optics
Photonics
Laser Technology
Precision Mechanical Design
Validation Methods
System Design
Space Lasers
Satellite Communication Systems
Free-Space Optical Communication
MATLAB
C++
Python
GNU Radio
DSP
FPGA
RF/antenna
software-defined radios
link budgets
RF sensing systems
multipath
phase noise
group delay
fading
nonlinear distortion
system-level modeling
CI/CD