Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) Verified today
Role
As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware for Starmind, SpaceX's constellation of AI satellites. You will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that hardware meets the design intent. You will automate test procedures and data collection for high volume products, as well as train other team members on the operation of optical test and metrology equipment.
Responsibilities
- Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems
- Use test data to troubleshoot issues with optical flight hardware
- Automate optical test equipment and data collection
- Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment
- Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations
- Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation
- Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing
- Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data
- Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests
- Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
- Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
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 (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
- Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)
- Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX
- Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment and troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
- Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
- Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies
- Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware
- Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
- Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
- Strong sense of accountability and integrity
- Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Additional Requirements
- Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 lbs unassisted
- Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed
- ITAR compliance: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State