Optical Liaison Engineer, Optical Inter-Satellite Link

Description

Project Kuiper 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.

As an Optical System Liaison Engineer on the Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) team, you will support the development and production of high-performance optical systems. This role provides a critical bridge between hardware design, integration, and manufacturing operations—ensuring alignment between engineering intent and real-world implementation.

Key job responsibilities

• Applies knowledge of OISL optical design principles to assess and resolve product/process issues through the product lifecycle.

• Analyzes, conducts root cause analysis, and develops dispositions for optical system non-conformances.

• Applies engineering principles to investigate technical and quality issues that cannot be resolved by operations and develops both interim and permanent solutions.

• Identifies, documents, and analyzes reported problems and deviations that may impact optical performance or alignment; recommends and manages resolution.

• Reviews and dispositions non-conformance events during all operational phases: procurement, storage, handling, manufacturing, assembly, testing, transportation, final integration, and launch.

• Develops standard rework procedures, DFM improvements, and optical alignment aids (fixtures, tooling, methods).

• Collaborates with quality, manufacturing, optical hardware vendors.and optical system experts to drive root cause analyses and maintain system integrity.

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.

A day in the life

Each day begins by reviewing test data, addressing non-conformances, and aligning with quality, integration, and design teams. You’ll investigate root causes—whether optical, electrical, or mechanical—then propose and implement solutions to keep hardware on track. Hands-on work may include troubleshooting hardware, authoring rework instructions, or validating process improvements on the floor. You balance speed and rigor, ensuring fixes are well-documented and maintain design intent. Your efforts directly support the delivery of reliable, space-ready optical inter-satellite link systems.

About the team

The OISL team develops and delivers space-based optical inter-satellite link systems, enabling high-speed laser communication across the Kuiper constellation. The team focuses on precision hardware, alignment, and system reliability to meet the demanding requirements of spaceborne optical networks.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience working with optical systems

• Experience with optical alignment, bonding, and optical metrology (e.g., interferometry, wavefront sensing).

• Experience with optical tools such as lasers, detectors, fiber components, and alignment systems.

• Experience with interpreting technical drawings, optical layouts, and tolerance stack-ups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space-based optical communication or free-space laser systems.

• Proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax, FRED, etc.).

• Experience working with contract manufacturers (CMs) and external optics vendors.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills across hardware, test, and operations teams.

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 for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $105,600/year in our lowest geographic market up to $185,000/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit . This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.