Senior Opto-Mech Lab Engineer, Amazon Leo

Amazon • Redmond, WA

1d • $136,900 - $185,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Amazon Leo is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will deliver low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Within the Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) organization, you will directly contribute to the development and production of high-bandwidth free-space optical communication systems that connect satellites in orbit. We are seeking a Senior Lab Engineer to join our multi-discipline team responsible for the assembly, integration, and test (AIT) of opto-mechanical and fiber optic systems for optical communication. In this role, you will own end-to-end integration workflows, drive process improvements, and serve as a technical authority on optical and fiber assembly best practices. You will manage qualification test programs, coordinate resources across workstreams, and work cross-functionally with multiple engineering teams to deliver flight-quality hardware.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or above in engineering, physics, or equivalent
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in the assembly, integration, and test of aerospace hardware in a development or production environment.
• Demonstrated experience executing or managing qualification test programs for aerospace or defense hardware.
• Experience with task management, resource planning, and coordination of lab activities across multiple concurrent workstreams.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fiber optic splicing, termination, polishing, and characterization.
• Experience with opto-mechanical assembly, laser beam characterization, interferometry, and precision optical measurement techniques.
• Experience working in cleanroom or controlled laboratory environments with strict contamination control protocols.
• Familiarity with satellite, aerospace, or defense optical systems and associated quality standards.
• Experience with FRACAS or structured failure investigation and root cause analysis processes.
• Experience developing automated test sequences or system characterization routines.
• Strong foundation in mathematical, statistical, and physics fundamentals as applied to optical system performance.
• Track record of mentoring technical staff and driving process improvements in a lab environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute the assembly, integration, and test of complex opto-mechanical, fiber optic devices, test stations, and supporting GSE, ensuring hardware meets performance and workmanship standards.
• Lead and execute qualification test programs for aerospace hardware, managing test plans, schedules, and success criteria through program completion.
• Aid in development, document, and continuously improve assembly and test procedures for new opto-mechanical configurations and fiber optic assemblies.
• Lead prototyping efforts and drive failure investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Manage task distribution, resource planning, and delegation across lab workstreams to ensure efficient execution and on-time delivery.
• Perform precision fiber optic splicing and termination operations; validate splice quality through quantitative measurement.
• Measure and characterize performance parameters of optical assemblies and laser systems, interpreting results to inform design and process decisions.
• Apply proper optical and fiber handling techniques, maintaining rigorous cleanliness standards and ensuring component integrity throughout the build process.
• Partner with multiple engineering and program teams to resolve integration challenges and provide design-for-manufacturability feedback.
• Mentor junior lab engineers and technicians on optical assembly best practices, fiber handling, measurement techniques, and lab workflow management.
• Champion laser safety culture and ensure compliance with all lab safety protocols and standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve lab efficiency, reduce cycle times, and increase first-pass yield across integration workflows.

Benefits

• 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
• parental leave
• sign-on payments
• restricted stock units (RSUs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior