SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Laser Communications Engineer, Electro-Optical (Starlink)
SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP, Redmond, Washington, United States, 98052
LASER COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER, ELECTRO-OPTICAL (STARLINK)The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. Laser communication is a highly valuable technology due to the high data bandwidth and high spatial efficiency, which requires engineering precise and high-performance electro-optical and optomechanical systems. As a laser communications engineer, you will be responsible for optical communication system design, validation, and operation. You will help shape the near-earth laser communication system baseline. You will build a reliable, efficient, high-data-rate laser communication system by leading avionics systems and signal processing design and verification. You will shape SpaceX’s capabilities to transmit high-rate data around the world via laser communication systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Apply expertise to laser communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation
Architect and implement novel algorithms and digital signal processing (DSP) schemes for laser communications
Represent the laser communications system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
Define requirements for high-data-rate laser communication systems in challenging environmental conditions
Lead laser communication 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
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 produced in accordance with overall project goals
Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts and tools
Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
Design, develop, and implement avionics hardware for space laser systems including high-speed digital communications, analog circuits, optical sensors, and photonic chip drivers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
1+ years of experience designing and implementing circuit boards (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
1+ years of experience developing algorithms or implementing signal processing for complex systems, e.g., controls, digital filters, large dataset analysis (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering or STEM discipline
Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as QPSK, QAM, PCM/FM, and PAM
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
Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
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
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
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Lasers Communications Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Lasers Communications Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
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, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount though 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
Apply expertise to laser communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation
Architect and implement novel algorithms and digital signal processing (DSP) schemes for laser communications
Represent the laser communications system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
Define requirements for high-data-rate laser communication systems in challenging environmental conditions
Lead laser communication 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
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 produced in accordance with overall project goals
Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts and tools
Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
Design, develop, and implement avionics hardware for space laser systems including high-speed digital communications, analog circuits, optical sensors, and photonic chip drivers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
1+ years of experience designing and implementing circuit boards (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
1+ years of experience developing algorithms or implementing signal processing for complex systems, e.g., controls, digital filters, large dataset analysis (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering or STEM discipline
Knowledge of digital communication systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types such as QPSK, QAM, PCM/FM, and PAM
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
Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
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
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
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Lasers Communications Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year
Lasers Communications Engineer/Level II: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
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, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount though 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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