SpaceX
Optical Engineer (Starshield)
About this role
SpaceX seeks an Optical Engineer to develop free-space optical communication systems and imaging payloads for Starshield, a government-focused satellite constellation. You'll design, validate, and operate cutting-edge laser communication terminals while balancing theoretical expertise with practical implementation in resource-constrained space environments.
What you'll do
- Design, analyze, and validate optical systems using optics and photonics principles
- Lead optical architecture definition through trade studies, concept of operations, and risk reduction testing
- Develop requirements for high-performance optical systems in demanding environmental conditions
- Conduct verification testing including environmental qualification, performance characterization, and fault injection
- Plan and execute field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
- Investigate anomalies and lead resolution using test data analysis; coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams
What they're looking for
- Optical system design and analysis
- Free-space laser communications
- Link budget and performance modeling
- Environmental and reliability testing
- Satellite payload engineering
- Cross-functional systems integration
- Technical documentation and specification development
- Photonics and optics fundamentals
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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 experience designing optical systems for space or aerospace applications and how you handled environmental constraints.
- Walk us through how you would approach defining and validating link budgets for a free-space laser communication system.