Optical Test Engineer (Integration & Test)

The Space Lasers Test team designs, builds, and operates the systems used to validate the space lasers system as well as other optical payloads (imagers and transceivers) that are critical to Starlink satellite operations. 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.

• →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

• 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)

• 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

• Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted
• Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

• 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.