ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Space Optical System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lyte

Optical System Integration Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $170K/yr

Perform optical alignment tasks including free-space alignment, beam collimation, focusing, and ... Investigate unexpected system behavior using experimental data and fundamental engineering ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

As an 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 lead design of ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

As an 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 lead design of ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

As an 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 lead design of ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple Inc.

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development. Responsibilities * Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

... space optical systems Utilize your skills in optical design and simulation to propose optics ... Programming experience using MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

... space optical systems Utilize your skills in optical design and simulation to propose optics ... Programming experience using MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsOptical Manufacturing Technician JobsSpace Optical System Engineer Jobs

Space Optical System Engineer information

See salary details

$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.

Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA • On-site

SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SpaceXexternal

$120K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 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

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.
SPACE LASERS 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 looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink 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 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 to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments. You will build reliable, efficient systems by leading
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

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)
  • 1+ 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
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
  • Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, 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 communications products
  • Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
  • Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking
  • 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, laser sources)
  • 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
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00
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 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. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

SpaceX logo

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

View All SpaceX Jobs

Apply