Senior Optical Network Engineer

SpaceX

Confirmed live today High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$165,000–$270,000 / yr
Posted
54 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live today

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $168k
This role $218k
$110k $287k
below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays more than 89% of similar roles. Most pay $137,500–$197,500 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $218k versus about $168k 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 853 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $130,000–$165,000 across 579 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Optical Network Engineer

The Sr. Optical Network Engineer (Starlink) joins the team building a global fleet of gateway stations to serve as the internet interfacing backbone for the Starlink network. This role involves designing and developing optical connectivity solutions for ground network infrastructure, including the creation of modular, reusable test and automation software. The engineer will develop and maintain lab and production test stations for product qualification and root cause analysis while collaborating with ground and space networking teams to scale the physical layer and optimize traffic flow. Key technical requirements include expertise in DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, integrated photonics, and optical network design. Candidates should possess skills in Python, MATLAB, or SQL for data extraction and visualization, alongside experience in optical device characterization and IP networking fundamentals.

What you'll do

  • Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure.
  • Develop and maintain lab and production test stations for product qualification and root cause analysis.
  • Create modular, reusable test and automation software in Python for engineering design verification.
  • Scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow with networking teams.
  • Develop tools to proactively monitor the health and availability of the optical infrastructure.
  • Lead continuous reliability improvement initiatives for the global fleet of gateway stations.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or an engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in designing optical experiments and developing test automation.
  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for required Department of State authorizations.
  • Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, and/or integrated photonics or optical subsystems (preferred).
  • Experience in optical network design, planning, and DWDM system performance analysis (preferred).
  • Hands-on experience with optical device or system level test and characterization (preferred).
  • Experience in any scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar) (preferred).

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