Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

OPTICALTESTENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)

SpaceX isleveragingits experience deploying andoperatingthe world's largest satellite constellation to developStarmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demandshighly reliable,high performanceelectrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems mustoperatein the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference.As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation,we'relooking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.

As an Optical Test Engineer you willbe responsible fordesigning, building, andoperatingoptical metrology equipment tovalidateoptical flight hardware. This role willinterface closely withthe design and production teams tovalidatethat hardware meets the design intent. In this role, you will need to 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, andoperateoptical 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 andcomponentdevelopment, including design, analysis, and validation
• Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualificationtestingand reliability testing
• Develop test plans andmaintaindesign 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.)
• Proficiencywith optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX
• Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment/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
• Basicproficiencyin CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
• Proficiencyin programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
• Strong senseof 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 25Ibs. unassisted
• Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed