Optical Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. The SpaceX satellite engineering teams develop, produce, and deploy the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems. As a Starshield optical engineer , you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments. 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 BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or electrical/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 SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 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 Experience with mixed-signal circuits, processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, SERDES, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, and power supply components Opto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and steering mechanisms 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 me