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.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, SPACE LASERS (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 a Software Engineer to join our testing and development efforts of our 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.
Testing is a fundamental quality check and last line of defense before our products are installed for flight. You will be responsible for defining test requirements, designing and building test systems, and verifying the laser communication system performs to specifications. You will work on a small team to solve systemic production and operational issues of space laser hardware, run root cause investigations of failures, and drive process changes for continually improving laser factory throughput and constellation performance.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Apply optics, electrical, and test knowledge to laser communication system integration and testing
- Create modular, reusable software in Python to automate development and production tests
- Collect and manage test requirements for verifying laser communications in Low Earth Orbit, other harsh conditions, and beyond
- Participate in validation testing, including environmental acceptance, environmental qualification, performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, and reliability testing
- Review and analyze test data to track trends and resolve production issues on vendor and in-house components
- Develop test plans, execute testing, and write test reports to support rapid design iteration of flight hardware and software
- Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop maintainable, scalable scripts, tools, and infrastructure
- Develop test fixtures for engineering and production tests
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate degree in physics or engineering discipline
- At least 1 year of experience in a computer programming language (Python, C#, or other object oriented language preferred)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
- Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
- At least 3 years of experience in design, integration, and test of complex, technically capable systems
- Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
- Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
- Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
- Strong sense of accountability and integrity
- Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
- Passion for advancing the commercial space industry
- Strong work ethic and drive to succeed
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Extended hours and weekends as needed to support critical milestones
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or 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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.