Senior Opto-Mech Lab Engineer, Leo

Position: Senior Opto-Mech Lab Engineer, Amazon Leo
Description

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 work streams, 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 work streams 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.

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.

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 work streams.

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…