Optical Engineer, Amazon Leo - OISL

Amazon Inc.; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC seeks an experienced optical engineer to own manufacturing processes for high‑precision optical communications components. You will prototype next‑gen designs, prepare technical reports, and coordinate with vendors and the Leo OISL team to qualify assemblies.

You will tackle challenging, novel situations and collaborate with multiple technical teams across Amazon locations. A strong optics background and problem‑solving mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with test plan development and building the necessary test bench infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with lasers, detectors, modulators, optical fiber and devices, testing and characterization.
• Experience with fiber optics components and handling of optical fiber.
• Experience analyzing and troubleshooting PCBAs and opto-electronic communications systems.
• Experience in automated testing and optical system characterization.
• Strong foundation in optics and optical physics.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of manufacturing processes for optical communications components and subsystems.
• Prototype and test next generation optical designs.
• Prepare technical reports for stakeholder review.
• Work with vendors and the Leo OISL team to design and qualify optical components and assemblies.

Skills

Test plan development

Test bench infrastructure

Optical engineering

Laser systems

Fiber optics

PCBAs troubleshooting

Automated testing

Optical design fundamentals

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering/Physics/Electronics or related

Master’s degree or higher (preferred)

Job description

Job ID: 10582043 | Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable broadband connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From households to small businesses, schools, hospitals, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve communities and organizations operating in places without dependable internet access. You will join a multi-disciplinary team responsible for developing and testing the hardware that provides optical communications between satellites. You will support the manufacture and test of optical communications hardware, and contribute to the design of next-generation optical communications system.

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 development of manufacturing processes for optical communications components and subsystems
• Prototype and test next generation optical designs
• Prepare technical reports for stakeholder review
• Work with vendors and the Leo OISL team to design and qualify optical components and assemblies

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.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with test plan development, building the necessary test bench infrastructure, developing tests and verifying the design
• Bachelor’s Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Experience with lasers, detectors, modulators, optical fiber and devices, testing and characterization
• Experience with fiber optics components and handling of optical fiber
• Experience analyzing and troubleshooting PCBAs and opto-electronic communications systems
• Experience in automated testing and optical system characterization
• Strong foundation in optics and optical physics
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience participating in or leading technical collaborations and creating alignment across diverse groups (e.g., hardware engineering, software engineering, program management)
• Master's degree or above in engineering, physics, or equivalent
• Expertise in optical design
• Experience in free space optical communications
• Ability to provide thought leadership and key input on new initiatives as well as on programs underway
• Ability to regularly engage with senior stake holders and influence across the organization

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

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 - 96,600.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. Veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.