Sr. Optical Engineer
- US citizenship
How this pay compares
This posting states $137k–$186k a year. Open physicist jobs in Washington post a median of $165k a year, the middle half $151k–$176k, across 7 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
Physicists, astronomers and optical engineers in Washington: 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. You will join a multi-discipline team responsible for development for optical communication system between satellites.
You will be responsible for design, build and verification of custom optical metrology stations used to build, test and manufacture optical Intersatellite link systems. ## Export Control Requirement Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a 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.
Key job responsibilities - Design, build and qualify optical metrology stations for build, test and manufacturing of optical Intersatellite link system. - Develop clear understanding of optical tests needed for qualifying optical systems - Develop new and improve existing optical measurement methods, using optical metrology equipment like interferometer, imaging, and high speed laser for optical module integration, alignment, and testing. - Analyze technical problems arising in optical testing and manufacturing and develop optimal solutions to solve them. - Develop measurement process and procedures for volume manufacturing and scalable production.
A day in the life 25% - On the shop floor, working with production teams to implement new processes, review & solve key technical blockers in production, performing production development testing, etc.
25% - Independent development work such as deep diving on available data sets to identify and implement key production improvement actions, acting on quality escapes by developing and implementing new quality control measures, developing & executing to existing roadmaps for capacity increase, process simplification, etc.
40% - Meeting settings, collaborating with others on topics such as new design introductions, production process change management, production solution finding reviews, etc.
10% - Mentorship settings with other engineers on the team, performing collaborative work & coaching to develop the team members skillsets, while ensuring common team execution to your technical vision ## About the team The Optical Inter-Satellite Link Production team is a multi-disciplinary organization responsible for all aspects of production of the key modules enabling satellite-to-satellite communication.
The Manufacturing Engineering Team is the technical arm of this organization, with 50+ engineers from all disciplines collaborating on all aspects of technical development & execution in production.
As a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, you will be the technical leader of a team of 8-10 manufacturing engineers. ## Basic qualifications - Experience in developing functional specifications, design verification plans and functional test procedures - 5+ years of full product life cycle experience - 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 ## Preferred qualifications - PhD Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience - Expertise in imaging and non-imaging optical design using Zemax or other software - Ability to lead interdisciplinary discussions between Hardware, Reliability, and Firmware teams - Experience in automated testing and system characterization - Knowledge and experience with precision optical components and systems. - Experience with fiber optics components and handling of optical fiber Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
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, WA, REDMOND - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 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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