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Afternoon Optical Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Tech Lead - Optical Test Engineer to contribute to the development and deployment of optical test solutions for silicon photonics devices and ...

Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, or related field (or equivalent industry experience) * 2+ years of experience in optical and/or electrical test engineering, with a focus on complex ...

Senior Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Optical Test Engineer to lead the measurement, characterization, and interpretation of our silicon photonics and optical switching platforms. This is an optical ...

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Tech Lead - Optical Test Engineer to contribute to the development and deployment of optical test solutions for silicon photonics devices and ...

$95K - $123K/yr

Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind) Bastrop, TX 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 looking for a Senior Optical Test Engineer to lead the measurement, characterization, and interpretation of our silicon photonics and optical switching platforms. This is an optical ...

We are looking for a Senior Optical Test Engineer to lead the measurement, characterization, and interpretation of our silicon photonics and optical switching platforms. This is an optical ...

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$136K - $176K/yr

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast paced, agile team ...

Description As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast paced ...

Perform critical engineering and R&D under the supervision of staff scientists for next generation quantum photonic/electronic devices and deployable optical payloads Design, model, setup, and test ...

... engineering and R&D under the supervision of staff scientists for next generation quantum photonic/electronic devices and deployable optical payloads • Design, model, setup, and test of free-space ...

Perform critical engineering and R&D under the supervision of staff scientists for next generation quantum photonic/electronic devices and deployable optical payloads * Design, model, setup, and test ...

Showing results 21-40

Afternoon Optical Test Engineer information

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$79.5K

$139.9K

$187.5K

How much do afternoon optical test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for afternoon optical test engineer in the United States is $139,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Afternoon Optical Test Engineer vs Optical Test Technician?

AspectAfternoon Optical Test EngineerOptical Test Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in optics, physics, or engineering; relevant certificationsAssociate's or technical diploma; certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, collaborative teamsManufacturing floors, testing stations, equipment setup
Industry UsageUsed in optical device development and R&DPrimarily in production testing and quality control

The Afternoon Optical Test Engineer typically focuses on designing and analyzing optical tests during the development phase, requiring advanced knowledge and certifications. In contrast, the Optical Test Technician handles hands-on testing and equipment setup in manufacturing settings. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in responsibilities, environment, and expertise level.

What cities are hiring for Afternoon Optical Test Engineer jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Test Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Optical Test Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Afternoon Optical Test Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Afternoon Optical Test Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Afternoon Optical Test Engineer jobs?

For Afternoon Optical Test Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

Bastrop, TX • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$128K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND) 

SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world's largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance electrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems must operate in 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're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team. 

As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware. This role will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that 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, and operate optical 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 and component development, including design, analysis, and validation 
  • Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing 
  • Develop test plans and maintain design 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.) 
  • Proficiency with 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 
  • Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals 
  • Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control 
  • Strong sense of 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 25 Ibs. unassisted 
  • Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed 

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US