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SpaceX

Principal Optical Engineer (Starfall)

SpaceX · Hawthorne, CA

Posted 22 days ago · $190,000.00 - $285,000.00

or apply directly on SpaceX's site. We never take the application ourselves.

Is this posting real?

This role has been open
22 days
SpaceX's roles stay open a median of 45 days
Reposted
No
Salary listed
Yes
52% of SpaceX's roles list one
Ghost-job risk at SpaceX
high
1459 stale, 43 reposted of 2,362 open
Hiring momentum
3062 roles opened in the last 90 days
↑ up vs. the prior 90 days
Last confirmed on the employer's board
2026-09-17

Measured from postings appearing on and disappearing from SpaceX's own greenhouse board since 2026-08-03. Full hiring picture for SpaceX.

About this role

As a Principal Optical Engineer at SpaceX, you will be responsible for the design, validation, and operation of advanced optical systems for navigation sensors that integrate visible and infrared sensing technologies. Your role will involve setting the product vision, leading the design of various components, mentoring engineers, and ensuring that products can be manufactured at scale while meeting rigorous environmental standards. You will also analyze and troubleshoot optical assemblies, define processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance.

Our read on this posting4.8out of 5
benefits
5/5
freshness
4/5
career value
5/5
role clarity
5/5
pay transparency
5/5

Scored from the posting itself — how clearly the role is described, how much it says about pay and benefits, and how recently it was listed. Not a judgement of SpaceX as an employer.

What you need

  • Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering discipline
  • 8+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, imaging, infrared sensing, or electrical/mechanical design or testing
  • 8+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

Nice to have

  • Master’s degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Experience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical products
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and lead technical teams without relying solely on formal authority
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
  • Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of imaging or IR systems

What you get

  • Pay range of $190,000.00 - $285,000.00
  • Eligibility for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards
  • Potential discretionary bonuses
  • Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • Access to a 401(k) retirement plan

Worth weighing

  • Working extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Active clearance may be required for sensitive missions, subjecting you to drug and alcohol testing
  • No specific mention of remote work options or flexibility in work location

Summarised from SpaceX's posting. Read the full original.

Listed by SpaceX on their greenhouse job board, last confirmed open on 2026-09-17. PitchMeAI is not the employer.

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