Manufacturing Engineer, Optical Fiber (Starlink)
SpaceX
Redmond, WA, USA
USD 95k-130k / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 6, 2026
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.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, OPTICAL FIBER (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we are deploying Starlink, the world's most advanced satellite constellation, to provide broadband internet access to the world. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system – from the hardware in customers' homes to the satellites on orbit. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.
As a Manufacturing Engineer for Optical Fiber, you will develop manufacturing and test processes for optical fiber assemblies. You will work closely with design teams, integration and test teams, and suppliers to bring products from NPI to high-volume manufacturing. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing manufacturing and test procedures with the intent of improving optical fiber reliability.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage new product introduction and develop production processes for optical fiber assemblies
- Design and implement development and production test procedures for optical fiber assemblies to improve reliability
- Work with manufacturers and suppliers to implement process improvements to improve optical fiber reliability
- Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products
- Lead investigation on non-conforming hardware to determine root cause and implement reliability improvements
- Collaborate with design teams and provide design feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability
- Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or other engineering discipline
- 1+ years of professional mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internships/co-ops and club projects can apply)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Advanced technical degree
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with manufacturing optical fiber assemblies
- Hands-on experience with optical fiber testing (insertion loss, return loss, etc.)
- Knowledge of various fiber technologies (single mode, multi-mode, polarization maintaining etc.)
- Knowledge of optical fiber harness manufacturing and processing techniques (splicing, cleaving, crimping etc.)
- High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
- Knowledge of various optical fiber classes and standards (OM3, OM4, graded index etc.)
- Experience with environmental testing of optical assemblies
- Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
- Knowledge of statistical analyses and statistical process control
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Some travel to our launch sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
- Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Manufacturing Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $130,000.00/per year
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, stock options, 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. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.
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.