Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

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 TEST ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world’s largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance electrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we’re looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware. This role will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that hardware meets the design intent. In this role, you will need to automate test procedures and data collection for high volume products, as well as train other team members on the operation of optical test and metrology equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems

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 performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing

Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data

Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests

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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline

2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline

Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)

Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX

Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles

Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting

Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies

Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware

Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals

Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control

Strong sense of accountability and integrity

Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted

Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

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 .