SpaceX · 11 hours ago
Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)
Redmond, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$100K/yr - $120K/yr
2+ years expSpaceX 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. The Space Lasers Engineer will contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for Starlink satellites, focusing on the design, validation, and operation of free-space optical systems.
AerospaceManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
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
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
Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects
Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards
Potential discretionary bonuses
Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Paid parental leave
Various other discounts and perks
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 or more paid holidays per year
Paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law
Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday
Company
SpaceX
SpaceX is an aviation and aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches rockets and spacecraft.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.78BKey Investors
Korea Investment PartnersIntesa SanpaoloAndreessen Horowitz
2025-12-12Secondary Market
2025-09-10Secondary Market
2025-08-13Secondary Market· $10M
Leadership Team
Elon Musk
Founder, CEO & CTO
Bret Johnsen
CFO
Recent News
Oman Observer
2026-01-25
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2026-01-23
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