Sr. Optical Engineer, Test and Development (Starlink) at SpaceX in Redmond, WA

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.

SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER, DEVELOPMENT AND TEST (STARLINK)

The Sr. Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and operating test equipment used to validate optical flight hardware meets design requirements. This role interfaces closely with the design and production teams to deliver a hardware design that is capable of cost effective mass production. In this role, you will need to automate test procedures and data collection for a high volume production line, and train the manufacturing team to ensure an efficient flow that does not require permanent engineering oversight.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design optical systems and optical test equipment
• Use test data to troubleshoot issues with optical flight hardware
• Automate optical test equipment and data collection
• Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment
• Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations
• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Participate in validation testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, and reliability testing
• Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data
• Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts and tools
• Develop test fixtures for engineering and production tests
• Work closely with analysts and design team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for design as well as manufacturing processes
• Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high rate production
• Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
• Create original CAD models and prints for flight and test equipment
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing
• 3+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Hands-on experience in a post graduate lab working with optical equipment
• Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
• Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, or signal integrity principles
• Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
• Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies
• Experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity
• Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
• Experience with thermal, vacuum, and vibration test equipment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel as required
• General physical fitness is required for some work areas
• Ability to lift 25 lbs unassisted
• Ability to perform job duties that require standing, kneeling, crouching, twisting upper body, working in cramped positions in small openings and climbing hand over hand
• Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise