Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satellites (Starlink)

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 TRANSCEIVER ENGINEER – HIGH SPEED LINKS, SATELLITES (STARLINK)

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces and deploys systems for transferring data over optical media. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of optical physical layer systems for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (transceivers and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.

As a SpaceX optical datacom engineer, you will be responsible for optical datacom system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of optical data communications and interconnect systems and directly contribute to the optical networks that convey high bandwidth data within our payloads.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply interdisciplinary knowledge, spanning photonics, electrical engineering/signals, and mechanical engineering concepts to data communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Represent the optical data communication network in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
• Perform trade space analysis between various optical interconnect technologies and approaches to minimize SWaP-C while meeting throughput and reliability/uptime requirements
• Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, functional qualification, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
• Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
• Maintain link models, 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 link tuning, operation and qualification
• Represent optical datacom systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
• 1+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design (university lab, student project, or internship experience can apply)
• 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, computer science, or an engineering/STEM discipline
• Proficiency with data communication system simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, or Lumerical Interconnect
• Proficiency with signal integrity design tools such as HFSS, HFSS 3D Layout or CST
• Proficiency with optical design tools such as Zemax
• Hands-on experience in system design, integration, tuning/optimization, and test of data communication systems
• Knowledge of and experience in SERDES, signal equalization/conditioning/decision functional blocks, ability to interpret SERDES receiver adaptation details and other queried information along an optical link to identify and resolve impairments
• Knowledge of and experience in lasers, modulators, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, high speed drivers and TIAs, optical DSP, SERDES, differential copper channels, and signal integrity principles
• Knowledge of and experience in guided mode and fiber optics principles, photonic integrated circuit testing/troubleshooting techniques, manufacturing and integration processes
• Knowledge of and experience in signal integrity principles, copper channel testing/troubleshooting techniques, SI feature simulation and optimization, end-to-end modelling of SI impact on system performance
• Experience leading development of commercial transceivers and data communications products
• Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
• 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, spectrum analyzers, laser sources)
• Experience with signal integrity and data communications test equipment (sampling oscilloscopes, real-time oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, bit error rate testers, time domain reflectometers)
• 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 for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00

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 in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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 [email protected].