Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX•Redmond, WA

19h

About The Position

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys satellite free-space optical communication systems. The engineer will contribute to laser communications terminals and imaging products for Starlink satellites, applying theoretical expertise and practical implementation skills to real-time, resource-constrained systems. The role is responsible for the design, validation, and operation of free-space optical systems, including systems for laser communications and precise navigation in space environments. It leads optical architecture definition, requirements development, testing, issue resolution, and reliability discussions, while working across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, software, and automation teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or another engineering or STEM discipline.
At least 2 years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing; university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies.
At least 1 year of experience with a computer programming language such as C++, MATLAB, or Python.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Must meet the stated U.S. export-control eligibility requirements or be eligible to obtain the required 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 in system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems.
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 such as 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 optical systems 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 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.
Medical coverage.
Vision coverage.
Dental coverage.
401(k) retirement plan.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Potential accrual of 3 weeks of paid vacation.
Eligibility for 10 or more paid holidays per year.
Paid sick time for employees in Washington State, in compliance with state and federal law.
Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office, Monday through Friday.
Various other discounts and perks.