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

This position is 100% onsite and requires relocation to the Austin-Bastrop area if not already local – remote or hybrid work not considered