Opto-Mechanical Engineer, Amazon Leo for Government
- US citizenship
- TS/SCI clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $126k–$165k a year. Open mechanical engineer jobs in California post a median of $158k a year, the middle half $130k–$180k, across 266 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
Mechanical engineers in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
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 Opto-Mechanical Engineer will play an important role in the team delivering innovative and fast-paced design and analysis for both space and ground optical systems and sub-systems.
The Opto-Mechanical Engineer will have a background in space based and ground based opto-mechanical design and analysis including electro-mechanical systems integration and packaging. The ideal candidate has experience with optimization trades for optical payloads and 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 payloads, while meeting cross discipline requirements. The candidate will have a sharp focus on the specific needs of the customer turn those needs into designs that meet the customer’s 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 opto-mechanical sub-system development with the collaboration of optical and electrical teams.
The will be able to prepare easy-to-read and technically compelling written reports to convey their design and analysis results.
10037 Key job responsibilities - Perform opto-mechanical design and layout trade studies for satellite optical communication payloads, ground based optical communication equipment, and test support hardware contributing to overall system architecture including inputs and requirements from cross discipline teams - Electrical, RF, Bus Structures, Thermal, Dynamics, Mechanisms, Materials, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Test - Execute design validation testing, including testing performed in a relevant environment e.g.
Thermal-Vacuum, shock, random vibration using a diverse set of calibration/qualification methods to verify/validate performance/capabilities. - Conduct or support structural, thermal, and optical (STOP) analysis via finite element methods as needed to support design work and to demonstrate that technical solutions will meet the needs and requirements of the customer’s mission and application - Facilitate cost trades on multiple parallel configurations for cost/manufacturability vs design uncertainty - Generate detailed designs via CAD systems and engineering drawings with appropriate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) - Deliver well-written documentation, reports, and presentations for technical design reviews and as part of proposal efforts - Design and support test campaigns, both development and qualification/acceptance, for space hardware. - Interact directly with customers to understand technical requirements, and translate them into technically robust solutions backed by data and analysis Security Clearance: This position requires that the candidate selected be a US Citizen and candidates must be able to to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI. ## Basic qualifications - BS degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent - 4+ years of working in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience - 2+ years experiences as an opto-mechanical engineer - Understanding of STOP analysis and how it impacts opto-mechanical design ## Preferred qualifications - Master's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent - Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume - 6+ years experience in opto-mechanical design and analysis - 1+ years experience with STOP analysis - 1+ years as a mechanical lead or responsible engineer for opto-mechanical systems - Experience with space based optical systems 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 Company’s reputation.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers.
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. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner. 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 .
USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 126,300.00 - 164,800.00 USD annually
From Amazon Leo's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Amazon Leo
Amazon's satellite internet constellation, formerly Project Kuiper: satellites, launches, ground stations and the terminals customers use.
Pay on its listings: 93.1% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Amazon's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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