Senior Opto-Mech Lab Engineer, Amazon Leo
About the Role
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.
Key Job 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.
Basic Qualifications
- 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
Preferred Qualifications
- 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
Pay
USA, NV, Redmond - 136,900.00 - 185,200.00 USD annually
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