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.SR. SPACE LASERS ENGINEER (STARLINK)At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 2M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.The Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communicate systems in the world. As a member of the team, you'll help define the laser communication system baseline for multiple company programs. You'll build a reliable, efficient, high-data-rate laser communicate system by leading optical system design and verification. Your optical expertise will help shape our capabilities to transmit data in orbit.RESPONSIBILITIES:Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system development, including design, analysis, and validationRepresent the laser communications system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolutionDefine requirements for high-data-rate laser communication systems in challenging environmentsLead laser communication architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testingParticipate in validation testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testingReview test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolutionDevelop test plans and define test systemsMaintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities dataInterface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be produced in accordance with overall project goalsCollaborate with software and automation teams to develop test and production scripts and toolsRepresent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendorsBASIC QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline5+ years of experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing3+ 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 discipline1+ years of experience in a technical leadership positionProficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZemaxExperience leading development of commercial communications productsExperience with hardware development for high-reliability applicationsExperience with pointing, acquisition, and trackingAbility to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available dataCompetence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)Experience with infrared system alignment and characterizationExperience with thermal, vacuum, and vibration test equipmentCompetence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environmentKnowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles<