Optical Engineer, Amazon Leo for Government, Optical and Opto-Mechanical Engineering

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. The ALG Engineering team works closely with the core LEO team and addresses the needs of specific customers (such as government agencies).

The Optical Engineer will play a pivotal role in the team delivering innovative and fast-paced analysis and design for both space and ground optical systems and sub-systems. The Optical Engineer will have a background in space and ground based optical system design and analysis. The ideal candidate has experience making optical and opto-mechanical optimization trades for payloads and system architectures. This is a hands-on role for a highly collaborative individual that combines superb technical and analytical capabilities to convert analytic trade studies to a space qualified payload while meeting cross discipline requirements. The candidate will have a sharp focus on the specific needs of the customer and be able to collaborate with cross functional engineers (mechanical and electrical) to show that proposed solutions will meet the customers goals.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working on complex programs with a diverse set of talented individuals as well as with partner organizations (including government agencies). The candidate will exhibit the potential to lead small sub-system efforts and be able to prepare easy-to-read and technically compelling written reports.


Key job responsibilities
- Optical design of ground and space based optical sub-systems while supporting and influencing the opto-mechanical design of these systems
- Lead and support the development of optical setups for assembly integration and test of optical systems
- Support continuous design improvement of the payload optical sub-systems assembly setups and test setups
- Prototype build and characterization of optical sub-systems and components
- Support transition of design and assembly processes to AI&T and manufacturing
- Facilitate training of optical and opto-mechanical technicians and support engineers.

Security Clearance: This position requires that the candidate selected be a US Citizen and candidates may need to be able to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI.


- Bachelors degree in engineering physics or equivalent
- 4 years of experience in optical system design and build
- 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
- Experience building custom optical systems and test setups

- Masters or PhD Degree in Optical Engineering Physics Electronics or related discipline or equivalent experience
- Expertise in imaging and non-imaging optical design using Zemax or equivalent software
- Experience in stray light analysis using FRED or other software
- Experience in how opto-mechanical design affects optical design and performance
- Experience in automated testing and system characterization
- Ability to regularly engage with stake holders and influence system development
- Knowledge of optical and laser industries and component suppliers

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: work safely and cooperatively with other employees supervisors and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees supervisors and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal state and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct adverse and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies exercise sound judgment effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism and safeguard business operations and the Companys reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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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 CA NORTHRIDGE - 126300.00 - 164800.00 USD annually