Principal Optical Network Engineer (Starlink Ground Network)

SpaceX • Redmond, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

SpaceX is building a global fleet of gateway stations to support the Starlink network and make up the internet interfacing backbone of the network. We are looking for creative and driven optical engineers to spearhead the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions that bind thousands of satellites in the space to the internet points of presence across the globe. Engineers on this team are curious about new possibilities, have strong judgement, and work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or an engineering discipline
• 7+ years of experience in designing optical experiments and developing test automation (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience all qualify)

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and work both independently and within team to achieve high-quality results
• Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, and/or integrated photonics or optical subsystems
• Experience in optical network design, planning, and DWDM system performance analysis
• Hands-on experience with optical device or system level test and characterization
• Experience in designing and creating test software infrastructure
• Experience in any scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Experience performing data extraction, visualization and analysis using programming languages (e.g., Python) or SQL
• Experience with IP networking and traffic flow fundamentals

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• company stock
• stock options
• long-term cash awards
• discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• medical coverage
• vision coverage
• dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• short-term disability insurance
• long-term disability insurance
• life insurance
• paid parental leave
• various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• paid sick time
• Company shuttles

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal