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 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
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Working extended hours and weekends as needed
Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Pay Range
- Level 1: $105,000.00 - $140,000.00
- Level 2: $120,000.00 - $170,000.00
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 or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through 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. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.
