Opto-Mechanical Engineer, Amazon Leo for Government

Amazon; California (MO); On-site; USD 126,300 - 164,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Amazon is seeking an Opto-Mechanical Engineer in California to support the Amazon Leo for Government initiative. The successful candidate will lead design and analysis for optical systems, ensuring high-quality solutions for government clients.

Position requires a BS in mechanical engineering, with a minimum of 4 years of engineering experience and 2 years in opto-mechanical roles. Comprehensive benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and more.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in mechanical engineering.
• 2+ years of experience as an opto-mechanical engineer.
• Understanding of STOP analysis and its impact on opto-mechanical design.

Responsibilities

• Perform opto-mechanical design and layout trade studies for satellite optical communication payloads.
• Execute design validation testing in relevant environments such as Thermal-Vacuum.
• Conduct or support structural, thermal, and optical (STOP) analysis.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Opto-Mechanical Design

STOP Analysis

CAD Systems

Education

BS degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent

Tools

Finite Element Analysis Software

CAD Tools

Job description

Opto-Mechanical Engineer, Amazon Leo for Government

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.

The Amazon Leo for Government (ALG) Engineering team is a multi‑disciplinary technology team involved in developing and delivering targeted and scalable solutions for custom satellite and ground applications, and works closely with the core LEO team to address the needs of specific customers such as government agencies.

The Opto‑Mechanical Engineer will play an important role in delivering innovative, fast‑paced design and analysis for both space and ground optical systems and sub‑systems.

The Opto‑Mechanical Engineer will have a background in space‑based and ground‑based opto‑mechanical design and analysis, including electro‑mechanical systems integration and packaging, with experience in optimization trades for optical payloads and architectures.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working on complex programs with diverse teams, including government agencies, and will be capable of leading opto‑mechanical sub‑system development in collaboration with optical and electrical teams. The candidate will produce clear written reports to convey design and analysis results.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Perform opto‑mechanical design and layout trade studies for satellite optical communication payloads, ground‑based optical communication equipment, and test‑support hardware, contributing to overall system architecture with inputs and requirements from cross‑discipline teams—including Electrical, RF, Bus Structures, Thermal, Dynamics, Mechanisms, Materials, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Test.
• Execute design validation testing, including testing performed in relevant environments such as Thermal‑Vacuum, shock, and random vibration, using diverse calibration/qualification methods to verify and validate performance and capabilities.
• Conduct or support structural, thermal, and optical (STOP) analysis via finite element methods as needed to support design work and demonstrate that technical solutions meet the customer’s mission and application requirements.
• Facilitate cost trades on multiple parallel configurations for cost/manufacturability versus design uncertainty.
• Generate detailed designs via CAD systems and engineering drawings with appropriate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Deliver well‑written documentation, reports, and presentations for technical design reviews and proposal efforts.
• Design and support test campaigns, both development and qualification/acceptance, for space hardware.
• Interact directly with customers to understand technical requirements and translate them into technically robust solutions backed by data and analysis.

Security Clearance

This position requires that the selected candidate be a US Citizen and must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• BS degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• 4+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience as an opto‑mechanical engineer.
• Understanding of STOP analysis and its impact on opto‑mechanical design.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume.
• 6+ years of experience in opto‑mechanical design and analysis.
• 1+ year of experience with STOP analysis.
• 1+ year as a mechanical lead or responsible engineer for opto‑mechanical systems.
• Experience with space‑based optical systems.

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

Los Angeles County Applicants

Job duties for this position include: working safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhering to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicating effectively and respectfully to ensure exceptional customer service; following all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies; exercising sound judgment, effectively managing stress, working safely and respectfully with others, exhibiting trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguarding business operations and the Company’s reputation. Criminal history may have a direct adverse effect on some of the material job duties of this position. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Salaries & Benefits

The base salary range for this position is USD 126,300.00–164,800.00 per year for the USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE location. 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 optional 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.