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.

LASER COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER, ELECTRO-OPTICAL (STARLINK)
 
The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency, which requires engineering precise and high- performance electro-optical and optomechanical systems. As a laser communications engineer, you will be responsible for optical communication system design, validation, and operation. You will help shape the near-earth laser communication system baseline. You will build a reliable, efficient, high-data-rate laser communication system by leading avionics systems and signal processing design and verification. You will shape SpaceX’s capabilities to transmit high-rate data around the world via laser communication systems.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Apply expertise to laser communication system development, including design, analysis,
    and validation
  • Architect and implement novel algorithms and digital signal processing (DSP) schemes
    for laser communications
  • Represent the laser communications system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades
    and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-data-rate laser communication systems in challenging
    environmental conditions
  • Lead laser communication 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
  • 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
    produced in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts
    and tools
  • Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal
    reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
  • Design, develop, and implement avionics hardware for space laser systems including
    high-speed digital communications, analog circuits, optical sensors, and photonic chip
    drivers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser
    technology, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
  • 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, LabVIEW,
    and/or Python)
  • 1+ years of experience designing and implementing circuit boards (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
  • 1+ years of experience developing algorithms or implementing signal processing for
    complex systems, e.g., controls, digital filters, large dataset analysis (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering or STEM discipline
  • Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error
    correction, and modulation types such as QPSK, QAM, PCM/FM, and PAM
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Working extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:          
Lasers Communications Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Lasers Communications Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year   

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount though an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.

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