← All roles

Principal Optical Network Engineer (Starlink Ground Network)

SpaceX· Starlink Ground Network Engineering
Apply on company site
Redmond, WA$180k - $260kfull-timePosted 5mo ago

About the role

SpaceX is hiring a Principal Optical Network Engineer to design, develop, and scale the Starlink ground network’s optical connectivity and related tools. The role focuses on fiber optic connectivity solutions, lab/production testing, automated test software, and reliability improvements to support a global Starlink network.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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

Skills

Required:Optical network designDWDM and photonics fundamentalsTest automationPython
Nice to have:Scripting/ProgrammingData analysisIP networking

Benefits

  • comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • short and long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • paid parental leave
  • paid vacation and holidays (3 weeks vacation; 10+ paid holidays per year)
  • employee stock options/long-term incentives potentially available
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • shuttle service from select Seattle locations to SpaceX Redmond office (Mon-Fri)
Last updated Jul 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SpaceX

defense-aero-and-safetysetter-30setter-30-2026-q1wing-list-2026wing-list-2026-giga-stage
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at SpaceX