Sr. Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Hawthorne, CA
Salary
$135,000–$195,000 / yr
Posted
today

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $164k
This role $165k
$128k most similar roles pay here $202k

This role pays more than 54% 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.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at SpaceX

At a glance

TL;DR · Sr. Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

As a Senior Space Lasers Engineer at SpaceX, you will join the satellite engineering team responsible for developing cutting-edge free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads. Your primary responsibilities include designing, validating, and operating laser communications terminals and imaging products for Starshield satellites. You will leverage opto-mechanical design expertise to create precision mounting and steering mechanisms, ensuring high accuracy in space-based optical systems. The role requires proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python, alongside a strong background in optical engineering, physics, or related fields. With experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, and electrical/mechanical testing, you will contribute to the advancement of satellite communication technologies at an unprecedented scale.

What you'll do

  • Design and analyze opto-mechanical systems for precision laser communication terminals.
  • Develop and validate free-space optical communication systems for satellite applications.
  • Create detailed designs for laser steering mechanisms used in space-based imaging payloads.
  • Conduct hands-on testing of laser technology and photonics components in laboratory settings.
  • Write software scripts to automate system validation processes and data analysis.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or related STEM field
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design/testing
  • 3+ years of programming experience with C++, MATLAB, and/or Python
  • Experience in opto-mechanical design and analysis for precision mounting and steering mechanisms
  • Ability to work on cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and imaging products

More like this

Similar roles

Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA today $105,000$120,000
Python C++ MATLAB Opto-mechanical design Precision mounting Steering mechanisms Free-space optical system Laser technology Photonics Electrical/mechanical design Electrical/mechanical testing

Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA today $135,000$195,000
Python C++ MATLAB Optics Photonics Laser Technology Precision Mechanical Design Validation Methods System Design Space Lasers Satellite Communication Systems Free-Space Optical Communication

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA today $135,000$195,000
Python C++ MATLAB Opto-mechanical design Precision mounting Steering mechanisms Laser technology Electrical/mechanical design Electrical/mechanical testing Free-space optical system design