Principal Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Responsibilities

• Drive product vision and system-level architecture for a visible-camera and IR navigation sensor
• Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
• Define requirements for high-performance optical/IR navigation sensors in challenging environmental conditions
• Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk-reduction testing
• Dive into technical details, drive architecture and design trades, mentor engineers, and build the team’s technical bar
• Analyze, validate, and troubleshoot electronic/optical assemblies
• Define processes; design circuits, fixtures, and tools
• Identify opportunities to improve both products and processes
• Directly contribute to mission-critical navigation applications

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
• Experience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical products
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and lead technical teams without relying solely on formal authority
• Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
• Experience designing mixed-signal circuits, processors, FPGAs, Ethernet, SERDES, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, and power supply components
• Opto-mechanical design and analysis experience with precision mounting and alignment
• Knowledge of and experience in cameras, IR detectors, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
• Free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing and integration processes
• Experience leading development of commercial or high-volume products
• Designing hardware for high-reliability applications
• Knowledge of and experience in imaging, navigation sensing, or multi-spectral (visible + IR) systems
• Adequate knowledge of atmospheric optical effects
• Able to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
• Able to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
• Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, sources, cameras)
• Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
• Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
• 8+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, imaging, infrared sensing, or electrical/mechanical design or testing
• 8+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

Benefits

• Pay Range Level 3: $190,000.00 - $285,000.00
• Long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Lifetime life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Variety of other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave

Additional 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.

ITAR Requirements

• 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.