Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Amazon; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

A global technology leader in Redmond is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to develop and qualify optical communication systems for a satellite initiative. The role requires a Master's or Ph.D. in relevant fields, with 5+ years of experience in optical systems development and testing. The successful candidate will design optical metrology stations, analyze complex testing issues, and utilize MATLAB/Python for data analysis. Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in engineering, physics, or equivalent required.
• 5+ years of experience in optical systems development across product life cycles.
• Experience with optical metrology for verification and testing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and qualify optical metrology stations for testing.
• Analyze technical problems in optical testing and develop solutions.
• Write scripts in MATLAB/Python for data analysis and stakeholder reporting.

Skills

Optical systems development

Testing and characterization

Data analysis with MATLAB/Python

Problem-solving skills

Optical metrology experience

Education

Master's degree in engineering or physics

Tools

Zemax

Interferometer

Job description

About the Role

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 join a multi‑discipline team responsible for developing optical communication systems between satellites. You will be responsible for 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, a U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build and qualify optical metrology stations for build, test and manufacturing of optical inter‑satellite link system.


• Develop clear understanding of optical tests needed for qualifying optical systems.


• Conduct optical module design, validation test and prepare optical test engineering report for Program Reviews as requested.


• Analyze technical problems arising in optical testing and manufacturing and develop optimal strategies for solving them.


• Develop new and improve existing optical measurement methods, using optical metrology equipment like interferometer, camera, imaging systems, Hart‑Mann sensor for optical module integration, alignment, and testing.


• Write MATLAB/Python scripts to analyze and plot data required for stakeholder review.


• Develop measurement process and procedures for volume manufacturing and transfer it to 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree or above in engineering, physics, or equivalent.


• 5+ years of experience in optical systems development across full product life cycles – concept to production.


• Experience with lasers, detectors, modulators, optical fiber and devices, testing and characterization.


• Experience with optical metrology for component and system test and qualification.


• Experience with physical and geometric optics, Gaussian beam propagation and detection.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in optical engineering, physics, electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience.


• Expertise in imaging and non‑imaging optical design using Zemax or other software.


• Ability to lead interdisciplinary discussions between hardware, reliability, and firmware teams.


• Experience in automated testing and system characterization.


• Ability to provide thought leadership and key input on new initiatives as well as on programs underway.


• Ability to regularly engage with senior stakeholders and influence across the organization.


• Knowledge and experience with precision optical components and systems.


• Experience with fiber optics components and handling of optical fiber.


• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Salary and Benefits

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.

EEO Statement

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.