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Sr. Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satelites (Starlink) Verified today

SpaceX · Redmond, WA · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-10-17
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Sr. Optical Transceiver Engineer - High Speed Links, Satellites (Starlink)

The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces and deploys systems for transferring data over optical media. We are seeking an engineer to contribute to the development of optical physical layer systems for the Starlink constellation. All SpaceX optical systems require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.

As an optical datacom engineer, you will be responsible for optical datacom system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of optical data communications and interconnect systems and directly contribute to the optical networks that convey high bandwidth data within our payloads.

Responsibilities

  • Apply interdisciplinary knowledge spanning photonics, electrical engineering, signals, and mechanical engineering to data communication system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical data communication network in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Perform trade space analysis between various optical interconnect technologies to minimize SWaP-C while meeting throughput and reliability requirements
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, functional qualification, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain link models, design specifications, and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated link tuning, operation and qualification
  • Represent optical datacom systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in photonics, SERDES/optical DSP design, or signal integrity design
  • 5+ years of experience in a computer programming language (C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Master's degree or PhD in physics, computer science, or an engineering/STEM discipline
  • Proficiency with data communication system simulation tools such as Keysight ADS, VPI Photonics, or Lumerical Interconnect
  • Proficiency with signal integrity design tools such as HFSS, HFSS 3D Layout or CST
  • Proficiency with optical design tools such as Zemax
  • Hands-on experience in system design, integration, tuning/optimization, and test of data communication systems
  • Knowledge of and experience in SERDES, signal equalization, decision functional blocks, and ability to interpret SERDES receiver adaptation details to identify and resolve impairments
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, modulators, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting, high speed drivers, TIAs, optical DSP, differential copper channels, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in guided mode and fiber optics principles, photonic integrated circuit testing/troubleshooting, manufacturing and integration processes
  • Knowledge of and experience in signal integrity principles, copper channel testing/troubleshooting, SI feature simulation and optimization, end-to-end modelling of SI impact on system performance
  • Experience leading development of commercial transceivers and data communications products
  • Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
  • Ability to assess risk and make design decisions without all available data
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, spectrum analyzers, laser sources)
  • Experience with signal integrity and data communications test equipment (sampling oscilloscopes, real-time oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, bit error rate testers, time domain reflectometers)
  • Competence with Python scripting and Linux operating system environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Range: $140,000 - $235,000 (Level 3). Actual salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one part of your total rewards package. You may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, discretionary bonuses, and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various discounts and perks. You will accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and are eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles offered for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.