Optical Development Manager, Amazon Leo

Amazon; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options / RSUs

401(k) matching

Parental leave

Job summary

Amazon LEO seeks a senior optics leader to drive design, build, and qualification of optical inter-satellite link systems in Redmond, WA. You will own metrology stations and data analysis scripts in MATLAB/Python to support manufacturing and testing across multiple teams.

The role requires 8+ years in optical systems, 3+ years of people leadership, and deep expertise with optical metrology and Zemax-based design.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in optical systems development from concept to production.
• 3+ years of direct management leading technical teams through design, qualification, and manufacturing transitions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, build, and qualification of optical systems for Inter-satellite Link (ISL) manufacturing.
• Define optical test requirements and ensure alignment across engineering and production teams.
• Oversee optical module design validation testing and deliver test engineering reports for program reviews.

Skills

Optical systems design

Optical metrology

Team leadership

Lasers & detectors

Gaussian beam propagation

Education

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

Zemax

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Description

Amazon LEO is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.

You will lead a multi-discipline team responsible for development of optical communication systems between satellites. You will own the design, build, and verification of custom optical metrology stations used to build, test, and manufacture optical Inter-satellite Link systems.

Export Control Requirement:

Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key job responsibilities

Lead the design, build, and qualification of optical system and metrology for build, test, and manufacturing of optical Inter-satellite Link systems.

Define and maintain a clear understanding of optical test requirements needed for qualifying optical systems, ensuring alignment across engineering and production teams.

Oversee optical module design validation testing and ensure delivery of optical test engineering reports for Program Reviews.

Drive resolution of technical problems arising in optical testing and manufacturing by developing optimal strategies and guiding the team toward solutions.

Champion the development of new and improvement of existing optical measurement methods, leveraging metrology equipment such as interferometers, cameras, imaging systems, and Hartmann sensors for optical module integration, alignment, and testing.

Ensure the team develops and maintains MATLAB/Python scripts for data analysis and visualization required for stakeholder review.

Own the development of measurement processes and procedures for volume manufacturing and lead the transfer to the production team.

A day in the life

You will tackle challenging, novel situations every day and have the opportunity to work with multiple technical teams at Amazon in different locations. You should be comfortable with a high degree of ambiguity and relish the idea of solving problems that haven't been solved at scale before. Along the way, we guarantee that you will learn a lot, have fun and make a positive impact on millions of people.

About the team

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in optical systems development across full product life cycles, from concept to production, with 3 years of direct management experience leading technical teams through design, qualification, and manufacturing transitions.
• Experience leading teams working with lasers, detectors, modulators, optical fiber and devices, and optical metrology equipment such as interferometers, cameras, imaging systems, and Hartmann sensors, including oversight of testing and characterization programs.
• Experience defining and driving optical metrology strategies for component and system-level test and qualification.
• Experience in physical and geometric optics, Gaussian beam propagation, and detection, with the ability to guide team members and review technical work in these domains.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Expertise in imaging and non-imaging optical design using Zemax or equivalent software
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary discussions across Hardware, Reliability, Firmware, and Manufacturing teams to drive alignment on optical test strategies
• Experience building and scaling automated testing and system characterization capabilities for production environments
• Ability to provide thought leadership and strategic input on new initiatives as well as programs underway
• Proven ability to regularly engage with senior stakeholders and influence across the organization to drive program decisions
• Deep knowledge and experience with precision optical components and systems, including fiber optics components and handling of optical fiber
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize across multiple concurrent programs

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .

USA, WA, Redmond - 175,100.00 - 236,900.00 USD annually