SpaceX
Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX is seeking an Optical Engineer to develop free-space laser communication systems and imaging products for Starlink satellites. You'll design, validate, and operate cutting-edge optical systems while collaborating across disciplines to solve complex challenges in space-constrained environments.
What you'll do
- Design, analyze, and validate optical systems using optics and photonics principles
- Define system requirements and lead optical architecture development through trade studies and risk reduction testing
- Conduct verification testing including environmental qualification, performance characterization, and fault injection
- Plan and execute field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
- Investigate test anomalies and maintain link budgets, specifications, and system capability documentation
- Partner with manufacturing, software, and reliability teams to ensure designs meet project goals
What they're looking for
- Optical design and free-space optical systems
- Laser technology and photonics
- C++, MATLAB, or Python programming
- Optical analysis tools (Zemax preferred)
- Optical testing and troubleshooting
- Hardware development for high-reliability applications
- Linux operating system and Python scripting
- Precision metrology and infrared system alignment
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SpaceX
SpaceX develops advanced spacecraft and satellite systems, including the Starshield government satellite constellation and Starfall re-entry cargo capsule for global delivery. The company is hiring engineers in avionics integration, software test automation, mechanical design, and hardware reliability to validate flight-critical systems and ensure mission success.
- Website
- spacex.com
Likely interview questions
- Describe your hands-on experience with optical systems design and testing—what tools and methodologies did you use?
- How have you applied link budget analysis or optical performance modeling in a previous project?