Principal Optical Network Engineer (Starlink Ground Network)

About the role

SpaceX is building a global fleet of gateway stations to support the Starlink network and make up the internet interfacing backbone of the network. We are looking for creative and driven optical engineers to spearhead the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions that bind thousands of satellites in the space to the internet points of presence across the globe. Engineers on this team are curious about new possibilities, have strong judgement, and work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure
• Develop and maintain lab and production test stations for new product qualification and root cause analysis of operational fleet hardware
• Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python for engineering design verification
• Work with ground networking and space network teams to scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow
• Develop tools and solutions to proactively monitor the health and availability of the optical infrastructure and lead continuous reliability improvement initiatives

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or an engineering discipline
• 7+ years of experience in designing optical experiments and developing test automation (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience all qualify)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and work both independently and within team to achieve high-quality results
• Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, and/or integrated photonics or optical subsystems
• Experience in optical network design, planning, and DWDM system performance analysis
• Hands-on experience with optical device or system level test and characterization
• Experience in designing and creating test software infrastructure
• Experience in any scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Experience performing data extraction, visualization and analysis using programming languages (e.g., Python) or SQL
• Experience with IP networking and traffic flow fundamentals

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

Pay

Network Engineer/Principal: $180,000.00 - $260,000.00/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.

Benefits

• Long-term incentives (company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards)
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ability to purchase additional stock at a discount)
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick time (for employees in Washington State, in compliance with state and federal law)
• Company shuttles for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday