SpaceX
Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satellites (Starlink)
About this role
SpaceX seeks an Optical Transceiver Engineer to design and validate optical communication systems for Starlink satellites. You'll apply expertise in photonics, electrical engineering, and signal integrity to develop high-speed optical interconnects that minimize power and weight while meeting strict reliability requirements for space deployment.
What you'll do
- Design and validate optical datacom systems using cross-disciplinary knowledge in photonics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering
- Conduct trade space analysis on optical interconnect technologies to optimize size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C)
- Execute verification testing including environmental qualification, functional tests, reliability testing, and fault injection scenarios
- Lead anomaly investigation and resolution using test data analysis
- Collaborate with manufacturing and software teams to ensure designs are producible and support automated link tuning
- Represent optical systems in reliability and risk assessments with internal teams and external stakeholders
What they're looking for
- Optical/photonic system design and validation
- SERDES and optical digital signal processing (DSP)
- Signal integrity and high-speed channel design
- Programming in C++, MATLAB, and Python
- Simulation tools (Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, HFSS, Zemax, Lumerical Interconnect)
- Optical and signal integrity test equipment operation
- Data communication system integration and troubleshooting
- Linux and Python scripting proficiency
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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 a time you optimized an optical or high-speed electrical system for power, size, and cost constraints—what trade-offs did you make?
- Walk us through your experience with SERDES design or optical DSP—which functional blocks have you worked with and how did you debug signal impairments?