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Space Optical System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$95K - $123K/yr

The SpaceX satellite engineering teams develop, produce, and deploy the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads in the world. We are looking for ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Proficient in free-space optical system modeling and link analysis. * Strong organizational skills ... D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Mission Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global ... Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly ...

Socket.dev

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Mission Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global ... Current energy and data systems rely on complex logistics and outdated infrastructure. Cowboy Space ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly ...

Ravee Optics

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Space-based or airborne optical systems * Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems ... Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

Latent AI

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Space-based or airborne optical systems * Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems ... Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

As a SpaceX optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute ...

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Space Optical System Engineer information

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$79.5K

$139.9K

$187.5K

How much do space optical system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for space optical system 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 a space optical system engineer?

Space Optical System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and manage optical systems used in space applications, such as telescopes, cameras, laser communication devices, and sensors. They work on ensuring these systems function reliably in the harsh environment of space, addressing challenges like temperature extremes, radiation, and vibration. Their work involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate optical components into spacecraft or satellites, performing simulations, and conducting testing to validate performance. Space Optical System Engineers play a crucial role in missions involving Earth observation, astronomy, and deep space exploration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a space optical system engineer?

A Space Optical System Engineer requires a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (like Zemax or Code V), simulation tools, and knowledge of space environment standards are essential, along with certifications in systems engineering or optics being advantageous. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the precise design, integration, and testing of optical systems needed for successful space missions where reliability and accuracy are critical.

What are the main challenges space optical system engineers face when designing systems for space missions?

Space Optical System Engineers often encounter unique challenges such as ensuring the optical components can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation, and mechanical vibrations during launch and operation. Designing systems that maintain precise alignment and performance in the vacuum of space is critical, as there is no opportunity for physical adjustments post-launch. Additionally, engineers must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including thermal, structural, and electrical engineers, to ensure system reliability and integration throughout the mission lifecycle.

What are popular job titles related to Space Optical System Engineer jobs?

For Space Optical System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Space Optical System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,917 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORPexternal

$130K - $169K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

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.

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The SpaceX satellite engineering teams develop, produce, and deploy the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next‑generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
  • Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
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About SpaceX

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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

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