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 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 through 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.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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.