Sr. Optical Amplifier Engineer - Advanced Photonics Systems
About The Position
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. We are seeking a Senior Optical Amplifier Engineer to join our Advanced Photonics Systems team. As a key technical leader, you will shape the architecture, design, and execution of high-power fiber laser amplifier development in support of next-generation optical systems. Your leadership will set the standard for our spectral beam combined (SBC) fiber laser architecture, supporting new capabilities across a growing range of aerospace customer missions—from concept through prototype demonstration, ground operations, and on-orbit operations.
Requirements
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., high-power lasers, optics, photonics, or aerospace hardware).
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in optics, photonics, and high-power fiber laser development projects.
- Experience in the design and simulation of high-power, narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers using Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (YDFA) technology.
- Experience with spectral beam combining (SBC) or coherent beam combining (CBC) architectures for high-power laser applications.
- Knowledge of non-linear optical processes relevant to power scaling, including stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), four-wave mixing, and self-phase modulation, along with mitigation techniques.
- Experience with large-mode-area (LMA) and polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fibers, including fiber handling, splicing considerations, and mode instability mitigation.
- Knowledge of thermal management approaches for kW-class fiber amplifiers.
- Experience with modeling and simulation of optical and fiber laser systems using industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, Mathcad, Zemax, RP Fiber Power, or equivalent.
- Experience with high-power laser systems for aerospace applications.
- MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Nice To Haves
- 10+ years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., high-power lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).
- Experience in the design and simulation of high-power fiber amplifiers using Erbium-Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EYDFA) or Tm/Ho-doped fiber amplifier technology.
- Hands-on experience scaling fiber amplifiers to the kW class with a roadmap toward higher power levels.
- Experience with Free-Space Optics (FSO), beam director, and/or adaptive optics systems.
- Previous experience in the aerospace industry.
- Detailed knowledge of part selection, radiation effects, and qualification for space applications.
- Experience leading or supporting technical teams through multiple successful product deliveries.
- Knowledge of and experience with fiber Bragg gratings, volume Bragg gratings, dichroic optics, and diffractive gratings used in SBC architectures.
- Experience collaborating with national labs or specialty optics vendors.
- PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of high-power, narrow-linewidth fiber amplifiers for spectral beam combining (SBC) and advanced photonics applications.
- Develop proof-of-concept fiber amplifier designs for cutting-edge free-space optical and advanced laser systems.
- Support the design, fabrication, test, and characterization of prototype high-power fiber amplifier hardware.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team on thermal management, optical packaging, beam quality optimization, and automation of high-power fiber amplifier subsystems.
- Interface with Supply Chain to identify and qualify suppliers for specialty optical components (pump diodes, gain fiber, fiber components, end caps, etc.) and support cost optimization.
- Conduct engineering analysis and trade studies across amplifier architectures, power scaling approaches, and make/buy decisions.
- Support vendor outreach and technical evaluation, including engagements with national labs and specialty optics suppliers.
- Communicate technical updates and design decisions to cross-functional teams and program leadership.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
- Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
- Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
