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. LASER COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER (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 free-space optical communication system design, validation, and operation. You will help shape the near-earth laser communication system baseline. Yo will build a reliable, efficient, high-data-rate laser communication system by leading optical system design and verification. Your optical expertise will shape SpaceX's capabilities to transmit high-rate data around the world via laser communication systems. RESPONSIBILITIES: Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation 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 Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems 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 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, or precision mechanical design 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) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline 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 Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all availab