Description

　　Project Kuiper is a visionary initiative within Amazon that aims to revolutionize global connectivity through the development of a state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) interconnected satellite communication constellation. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed, low latency, internet services to underserved and unserved communities and remote communities around the world. By leveraging cutting-edge satellite technology, we’re working towards a future where everyone has access to reliable and high-quality internet connectivity regardless of their location.

　　At Amazon Kuiper, we’re building a constellation of advanced satellites to provide seamless and efficient communication capabilities. Our vision is underpinned by innovation, technical excellence, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the field of space based meshed networks. We’re seeking dynamic and talented individuals who are passionate about creating unique technical solutions that result in a positive impact on a global scale.

　　As a Senior Optical Communications Engineer you will play a crucial role developing satellite communication systems, optical satellite links, digital signal processing and networking between both space-to-space and space-to-ground systems. Working with a dynamic team of cross discipline engineers, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining optical communication devices with bus agnostic interfaces, space-to-ground capabilities, tunable modems, long range backhaul performance, and seamless integration of unique waveforms. We provide engineering solutions for achieving optical communication systems. We work hand in hand with hardware, software, product and operations teams to deliver solutions that seek to extract more capability from our baseline and onboard new technologies into our next generation systems.

　　The Senior Optical Communications Engineer will play a pivotal role on the Kuiper Government Solutions team delivering innovative and fast-paced Optical Communication solutions.

　　Key job responsibilities

　　As a senior member of the team, you will participate in the entire product development life cycle, from concept generation, to design, development and deployment. You will work with cross-discipline engineers to define functional and performance requirements creating unique solutions to the suite of customer needs. You will work as a collaborative member of the Kuiper team to support hardware bring-up and debug, and develop both prototype and production systems. You must be comfortable leading design reviews, ensuring Amazon’s high development standards are met and team best practices are followed. The general responsibilities include:

　　• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define optical communication system requirements and architecture for our satellite constellation.

　　• Develop and optimize optical communication system hardware and software components, for real time communication ensuring efficient resource utilization and reliable performance.

　　• Implement and test product designs that demonstrate functional and performance capabilities

　　• Contribute to system integration efforts, working closely with hardware engineer to ensure seamless interaction between software and hardware components.

　　• Participate in reviews, identify areas for improvement, and maintain high standards to ensure optical communication system quality and reliability.

　　• Debug and troubleshoot software and hardware integration issues, employing tools and techniques to identify and resolve anomalies.

　　• Collaborate on designing and executing test plans to validate the functionality, performance, and security of optical communication systems

　　• Keep up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, and apply relevant advancements to enhance the performance and capabilities of Kuiper’s optical communication systems.

　　The role is located in Northridge, CA, and includes US relocation benefits.

　　Security Clearance: Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI, so you must be a U.S. citizen for consideration.

　　A day in the life

　　As a Senior Optical Communication Engineer you will be responsible for leading the design, development and implementation of unique solutions to integrate and interoperate with Kuiper products and customer terminals. You will work in a collaborative environment with teams inside and outside of Amazon. You implement industry best practices while you guide the designs from requirements gathering through deployment. This role is hands on and will require an ability to build and test hardware and software optical communication systems. You will need to be flexible and responsive to high priority issues. This role is located in Northridge, CA and includes US relocation benefits. You will be required to be onsite working with our collaborative team and developing our culture 3-5 days a week.

　　We are open to hiring candidates to work out of one of the following locations:

　　Northridge, CA, USA

　　Basic Qualifications

　　All candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or higher level security clearance.

　　• Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) or Master’s Degree (M.S.) in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field of study.

　　• 5+ years proven experience with optical communication systems, including design, implementation, and debugging.

　　• Understanding of optical communication principles, fiber optics, and optical components

　　• Familiarity of networking protocols and standards

　　• Knowledge of signal processing, modulation techniques, and transmission systems

　　• Experience with optical test equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers, optical power meters, and similar diagnostic equipment

　　• Familiarity with networks and software tools for network design and analysis

　　• Knowledge of optical modems

　　• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, or Matlab

　　• Familiarity with communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP) wireless technologies, and signal processing and software defined networks

　　• Experience with configuration management, version control systems (git), continuous integration (CI/CD), and testing methodologies

　　• Testing for performance and functionality based on requirement and ability to identify bottlenecks

　　• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills and ability to work in a fast paced, collaborative environment.

　　• Excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts effectively within the team

　　Preferred Qualifications

　　• Advanced degree, Masters (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or related technical field with a strong foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of embedded systems and space technology.

　　• Space industry experience, with previous work on space systems, satellite communication, or other space projects

　　• Proficiency in using optical design and simulation tools

　　• Knowledge of pointing systems and understanding of jitter environments and mitigation

　　• Expertise in wave theory of Electro-Magnetic radiation propagation and Gaussian beam propagation and theory applied to lasers

　　• Familiarity with space based optical communication systems and satellite interconnections via optical terminals

　　• Understanding of standards including the SDAs optical communication standard, CCSDS, and similar

　　• Knowledge and familiarity with unique challenges of designing for space environments, including radiation tolerance and mitigation, thermal constraints, and reliability considerations is highly valued

　　• Expertise in embedded systems architecture, memory management, and hardware software interaction with demonstrated ability to work with cross functional engineering disciplines

　　• Familiarity with safety-critical software development standards such as DO-178C, and Software Development Standard for Space Systems TOR-2004(3909)-3537

　　• Knowledge of space communication protocols including MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire or CCSDS

　　• Expertise in simulations using non-flight hardware for prototyping and demonstrating early risk reduction including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments

　　• Prior experience in satellite communication, wireless networking, or similar fields

　　• Ability to review circuit board schematics, can use electronics lab instruments, such as an oscilloscope or logic analyzer for basic digital circuit debugging

　　• Familiarity with space regulations standards and best practices including those from NASA or ESA

　　• Knowledge of TRANSEC and COMSEC principles, encryption, and domain separation

　　• Experience in orbital dynamics, mission management, satellite commanding

　　Candidates with a combination of the basic qualification and any number of preferred qualifications will be well-equipped to contribute effectively and grow with our developing organization.

　　Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us.

　　Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $121,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $235,200/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 https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.