Sr. Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satelites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

13d•$140,000 - $235,000

About The Position

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys systems for transferring data over optical media. This role contributes to optical physical-layer systems for Starlink satellites, combining theoretical expertise and practical implementation skills to solve complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems. As a SpaceX optical datacom engineer, you will design, validate, and operate optical datacom systems. You will help develop optical data communications and interconnect systems and contribute to the optical networks that convey high-bandwidth data within satellite payloads.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or another engineering/STEM discipline.
At least 5 years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design; university lab, student project, or internship experience can apply.
At least 5 years of experience in a computer programming language such as C++, MATLAB, and/or Python.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed for mission-critical deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in physics, computer science, or an engineering/STEM discipline.
Proficiency with data communication system simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, or Lumerical Interconnect.
Proficiency with signal integrity design tools such as HFSS, HFSS 3D Layout, or CST.
Proficiency with optical design tools such as Zemax.
Hands-on experience in system design, integration, tuning/optimization, and testing of data communication systems.
Knowledge and experience in SERDES, signal equalization/conditioning/decision functional blocks, and interpreting SERDES receiver adaptation details and other queried information along an optical link to identify and resolve impairments.
Knowledge and experience with lasers, modulators, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing and troubleshooting, high-speed drivers and TIAs, optical DSP, SERDES, differential copper channels, and signal integrity principles.
Knowledge and experience with guided-mode and fiber-optics principles, photonic integrated circuit testing and troubleshooting, and manufacturing and integration processes.
Knowledge and experience with signal integrity principles, copper-channel testing and troubleshooting, SI feature simulation and optimization, and end-to-end modeling of SI impact on system performance.
Experience leading development of commercial transceivers and data communications products.
Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications.
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 such as power meters, spectrum analyzers, and laser sources.
Experience with signal integrity and data communications test equipment such as sampling oscilloscopes, real-time oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, bit error rate testers, and time domain reflectometers.
Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment.

Responsibilities

Apply knowledge spanning photonics, electrical engineering and signals, and mechanical engineering to data communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation.
Represent the optical data communication network in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution.
Analyze trade spaces among optical interconnect technologies and approaches to minimize SWaP-C while meeting throughput and reliability/uptime requirements.
Participate in verification testing, including environmental and functional qualification, reliability testing, and fault-injection testing.
Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution.
Maintain link models, 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 link tuning, operation, and qualification.
Represent optical datacom 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, and potential discretionary bonuses.
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
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.
Eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Washington State employees accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.