Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SpaceX•Bastrop, TX

4h•Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is developing Starmind, a satellite constellation that captures solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute on Earth. The Optical Test Engineer will design, build, and operate optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware, working closely with design and production teams to ensure hardware meets design intent. The role includes automating test procedures and data collection for high-volume products and training team members to operate optical test and metrology equipment. The position is 100% onsite in the Austin-Bastrop area; remote and hybrid work are not considered. Relocation is required if the candidate is not already local. Extended hours or weekends may be needed for mission-critical deadlines, occasional travel may be required, and the role requires lifting objects up to 25 pounds unassisted. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
At least 1 year of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, or laser technology; university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies.
Ability to work onsite in the Austin-Bastrop area, with relocation if not already local.
Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.
Ability to lift objects up to 25 pounds unassisted.
Meet U.S. Government export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations.
Strong sense of accountability and integrity.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
At least 4 years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, or laser technology; university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies.
Hands-on experience with optical test equipment, such as power meters, interferometers, and laser sources.
Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX.
Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment and troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles.
Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting.
Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies.
Experience designing, developing, or testing space-qualified hardware.
Basic CAD proficiency and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C/C++, and software version control.
Willingness to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems.
Use test data to troubleshoot optical flight hardware issues.
Automate optical test equipment and data collection.
Instruct technicians on the operation of test equipment.
Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations.
Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation.
Participate in performance characterization, lot acceptance, design qualification, and reliability testing.
Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data.
Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests.
Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production.
Execute design-for-manufacturability changes to improve production efficiency.