Sr. Optical Network Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

SR. OPTICAL NETWORK ENGINEER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to 1M+ users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system – thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We're building a global fleet of gateway stations to support the Starlink network and make up the internet interfacing backbone of the network. As a member of the Gateway team, you'll be responsible for working with external network providers to communicate technical requirements, design site layouts in direct coordination with these vendors, and arrange external contractors to build these sites. You'll also be responsible for coordinating deployment of SpaceX hardware and technicians to these sites when they are complete, working with vendors and contractors around the world to provide this critical infrastructure to make the Starlink system work.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with ground networking and space network teams to scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow
• Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure
• Develop tools and solutions to proactively monitor the health and availability of the optical infrastructure and lead continuous reliability improvement initiatives
• 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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

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

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

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.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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 notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.