Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

About The Position

SpaceX is seeking a senior optical engineer for Starshield, which applies Starlink technology and SpaceX launch capability to national security applications, initially focusing on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The role supports development of free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads for Starshield satellites, including laser communications terminals and imaging products. The engineer will design, validate, and operate free-space optical systems, combining theoretical expertise with practical implementation in real-time, resource-constrained systems. The work includes shaping laser communications systems and contributing to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star-tracking systems for precise navigation in space environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or another engineering/STEM discipline.
At least 5 years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing.
At least 3 years of experience in a computer programming language, such as C++, MATLAB, or Python.
Work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Meet U.S. export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline.
Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax.
Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems.
Experience with mixed-signal circuits, processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, SERDES, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, and power-supply components.
Opto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and steering mechanisms.
Knowledge of and experience with lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing and troubleshooting techniques, and signal-integrity principles.
Knowledge of and experience with free-space optical principles, optical-component testing and troubleshooting, precision metrology, and manufacturing and integration processes.
Experience leading development of commercial communications products.
Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications.
Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking.
Knowledge of and experience with atmospheric optical effects.
Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere.
Competence with optical test equipment, including power meters, interferometers, and laser sources.
Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization.
Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating-system environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation.
Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution.
Define requirements for high-performance optical systems operating in challenging environmental conditions.
Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept-of-operations definition, and risk-reduction testing.
Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault-injection testing.
Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems.
Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution.
Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system-capabilities data.
Interface with manufacturing and supply-chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with project goals.
Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing.
Represent laser communications systems in reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors.

Benefits

Potential eligibility for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards.
Potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Various other discounts and perks.
May accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick leave pursuant to company policy.
An active clearance may qualify employees for a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.