Optical Network Development Engineer, Network Product Development (AWS)

Amazon; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 157,300 - 212,800; Full time

Job summary

Amazon is seeking an Optical Network Development Engineer in Cupertino, CA to design, test, and scale high‑volume optical transceiver systems and network interconnects for our global AWS infrastructure. You will develop automated testing tools and collaborate with suppliers, while working with network operations to improve reliability and cost efficiency in a highly available network.

The role emphasizes hands-on hardware and software expertise and a strong drive for operational excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field and 8+ years in optical communications or components.
• 8+ years experience with optical transceivers and IEEE standards.
• 4+ years developing test scripts for optics validation and characterization.
• 2+ years collaboration with optical & networking merchant silicon suppliers, manufacturing processes, and qualifications.
• 1+ year professional development in Python or similar for automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated tools and standardised processes for high-volume optical transceiver system-level testing.
• Lead collaborative efforts with internal stakeholders and supplier partners for testing frameworks and QA procedures for optical modules.
• Work with the network operations team to identify issues and improve quality and RMA processes.
• Engage stakeholders to identify improvement areas during rack deployment or bring-up.
• Improve link error-handling efficiency with the network operations team.

Skills

Python scripting

Optical transceivers

Optical communication systems

IEEE standards

Automation testing

Test scripts development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Optical Network Development Engineer, Network Product Development

Job ID: 3167949 | Amazon Data Services, Inc.

Do you like to use network and Unix systems engineering to deliver simple, sustainable, and repeatable solutions? Would you like to play a key role in driving the stability and sustainability of next‑generation IP networks?

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. We support all AWS data centres and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply‑chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop automated tools and standardised processes for high‑volume optical transceiver system‑level testing.
• Lead collaborative efforts with internal stakeholders and supplier partners to establish robust testing frameworks and quality assurance procedures for optical modules.
• Work with the network operations team to identify operation issues and improve quality and RMA process.
• Engage stakeholders to identify areas of improvement during rack deployment or bring‑up.
• Work with the network operations team to improve link error‑handling efficiency.

A Day in the Life

On an everyday basis as part of our team, you have the unique opportunity to understand the growing AWS network and our internal customers’ requirements on interconnect solutions. You’ll work backwards to devise hardware solutions by influencing the broader industry and/or develop software tools with sister teams to maintain a highly available network that delights AWS customers. You design and implement processes and mechanisms that help the team deliver business impact in a systemic way, while raising the bar on our operational excellence.

Operating at the scale we do, there is no blueprint for how to do what we do, which encourages engineers to identify and develop simple solutions to complex problems. We encourage durable solutions that look around corners while taking into consideration our customer needs from a cost, performance, and reliability perspective. We work closely with our internal partners that design, build, and operate the network to ensure our solutions meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

About the Team

Within AWS Networking the NPD (Network Product Development) organisation is responsible for designing the hardware, building the software, and owning the interconnects for the routers that power the global AWS network. Beyond product delivery we actively manage the fleet of routers in a network that grows by 70% annually, tracking key business and operational metrics to ensure smooth operation and to minimise or eliminate customer impact due to device‑related issues for a transparent AWS customer experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering or equivalent worked experience.
• 8+ years of work experience on optical communication systems or components.
• 8+ years of experience with optical transceivers and IEEE standards.
• 4+ years of experience developing test scripts for optics validation and characterisation.
• 2+ years of experience working with optical and networking merchant silicon suppliers, manufacturing processes, and qualifications.
• 1+ year of professional development experience with Python or a similar scripting language for automation scripting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master/PhD or foreign equivalent in Physics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in hardware and systems design, development and troubleshooting.
• 1+ year of experience in the application of network design, including knowledge of major protocols, topology design, network hardware, device configuration and traffic engineering.
• 1+ year of experience in database and AWS services.
• 1+ year of experience working with ODMs and component suppliers to deliver optical solutions.
• Meets/exceeds Amazon’s leadership principles requirements for this role.
• Meets/exceeds Amazon’s functional/technical depth and complexity for this role.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $157,300.00 – $212,800.00 USD annually. 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, 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 .