SpaceX Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink) at SpaceX develops and deploys satellite free-space optical communication systems. Responsible for optical system design, validation, and operation for Starlink satellites.
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-performant optical systems 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 overall project goals
Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in physicsKnowledge of and experience in lasersExperience with pointing
Required
Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
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)
1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)
Preferred
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
Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
Knowledge of and experience in free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, 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
