New

Photonics Systems Test Engineer

Blue Origin
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Washington, Seattle
Feb 07, 2026
Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role is part of TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. We are seeking an Optical Amplifier Test Engineer to work on developing fiber and laser amplifiers used in space optical communication links. You'll collaborate closely with photonics, electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to validate performance, improve reliability, and drive issue resolution from lab to flight. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. The role may require up to 20% travel for supplier visits, conferences, and field testing. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Plan and perform optical/electrooptical tests to characterize amplifier performance (e.g., gain, noise figure, ASE, RIN, polarization effects, SBS/SRS thresholds, thermal behavior) Develop test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria; maintain clear documentation and traceability Set up, calibrate, and operate lab equipment (OSA, power meters, beam profilers/M, photodetectors, oscilloscopes, attenuators, polarization measurement) Build and maintain test setups: fiber handling and prep (stripping, cleaving, splicing), connector inspection/cleaning, fiber management; enforce laser safety Analyze measurement data; drive rootcause and corrective actions; generate technical reports and recommendations Verify passive and active component performance (e.g., WDMs, isolators, pumps, gain fiber, combiners, modulators, drivers, sensors) against specifications Improve test efficiency via fixtures, method refinement, and automation; reduce cycle time while maintaining quality Support environmental/reliability testing (e.g., thermal cycling, thermalvacuum, vibration, life testing) as applicable Collaborate with suppliers to define test requirements, review data, and qualify components Minimum Qualifications: BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field 3+ years of handson testing and characterization of fiber lasers or optical amplifiers Proficient in fiberoptic handling and preparation (stripping, cleaving, fusion splicing; connector inspection/cleaning) Experience with laser beam diagnostics and amplifier performance analysis (gain, noise figure, ASE/RIN, SBS/SRS) Skilled with optical lab instrumentation (optical spectrum analyzer, power meters, beam profiler/M, photodetectors) and basic electronics test gear (oscilloscope, supplies) Ability to write clear test procedures, analyze data, and produce concise engineering reports Strong troubleshooting skills and collaboration; comfortable working independently in a fastpaced lab environment Knowledge of laser safety practices (e.g., ANSI Z136) and safe handling of highpower optical systems Preferred Qualifications: Understanding of nonlinear fiber effects and mitigation (SBS suppression, Raman management, dispersion control) Familiarity with optical system modeling/tools (e.g., OptiSystem, Lumerical, RP Fiber Power; Zemax for freespace optics) Experience with test automation and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Excel) Experience generating specifications for optical components and assemblies; supplier qualification and incoming inspection Exposure to testing space/aerospace optical hardware (e.g., TVAC, vibration) and crossdisciplinary integration with electronics and firmware Why Blue Origin: At Blue Origin, you'll be part of a historic mission to expand humanity's presence in space. You'll work with world-class experts in a collaborative environment that values innovation, safety, and excellence. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to directly contribute to the development of groundbreaking space technologies. Join us as we pursue our vision of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Are you ready to help us build the road to space? Apply today and become part of the team that's making history! Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 Other site ranges may differ Culture Statement Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin 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. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical Benefits Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here. Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. California Applicant Privacy Notice If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.