Principal Optical Engineer (Starfall)

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. PRINCIPAL OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARFALL) SpaceX optical systems require a powerful blend of theoretical expertise, hands-on implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained environments. As a Principal Optical Engineer, you will own free-space optical system design, validation, and operation for a navigation sensor combining a visible camera and infrared (IR) sensing. You will set product vision at the system level, lead design of optics, detectors, circuit boards, precision mechanisms, and mechanical enclosures that must survive extreme loads and the harsh environment of space, and ensure the product can be manufactured at high rate. You will dive into technical details, drive architecture and design trades, mentor engineers, and build the team’s technical bar. Beyond hardware design, you will analyze, validate, and troubleshoot electronic/optical assemblies; define processes; design circuits, fixtures, and tools; and identify opportunities to improve both products and processes. You will directly contribute to mission-critical navigation applications. 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 • Drive detailed trades across optical, IR, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing constraints for high-volume production • Design next-generation optical/IR sensor hardware for high-rate manufacturing • Mentor optical, electrical, and systems engineers; review designs and raise the technical standard of the team • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals • Perform and oversee verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault-injection testing • Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and navigation sensor systems • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution • Own performance budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical/IR testing • Communicate technical direction, risks, and recommendations to program leadership BASIC 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) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: • Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline • Experience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical products • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical teams without relying solely on formal authority • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax • Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of imaging or IR systems • 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 • Knowledge of and experience in 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 • Experience with imaging, navigation sensing, or multi-spectral (visible + IR) systems • Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects • Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data • Ability 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 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: • Working extended hours and weekends as needed • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 3: $190,000.00 - $285,000.00 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 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 wil