Mechanical Engineer Amazon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Mechanical Engineer to join our Prototyping & Integration (PI) Team. This role owns the intersection of mechanical design and design verification testing - you will create concept designs for novel opto-mechanical hardware and drive those designs through DVT to validate performance and readiness

You will work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and deliver results across both design and test domains with equal rigor.
This is a unique role for an engineer who thrives at the boundary of design and validation - someone who can go from a blank sheet in NX to building and assembling prototype hardware with their own hands, and use DVT data to close the loop back into design improvements. You will balance your time equally between mechanical design activities and hands-on execution in the lab.
Key job responsibilities
- Own mechanical design of opto-mechanical hardware, fixtures, and/or GSE from concept through detailed design release in NX, applying strong design fundamentals, tolerance analysis, and GD&T expertise.
- Build, assemble, and integrate prototype hardware in the lab - from first-article fabrication through fit-checks, sub-assembly integration, and full system-level builds.
- Drive DVT planning and execution - define test methodologies, success criteria, and execute campaigns for mechanical and electromechanical assemblies.
- Build and execute structured Design of Experiments (DOE) to characterize hardware performance and generate data-driven design recommendations.
- Analyze DVT results to identify root causes, drive corrective actions, and feed lessons learned back into design iterations.
- Manage design data in TeamCenter, maintaining revision control and releasing fully toleranced drawing packages.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with optical, electrical, thermal, and systems engineers to close interface requirements between design and test.
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
You split your time between your NX workstation and the lab floor. One day you are developing a concept design for a new mechanical interface, applying GD&T, and running tolerance stack-ups; the next, you are hands-on at the bench - assembling prototype hardware, building up test fixtures, and integrating sub-assemblies before executing a DVT campaign and analyzing results

In between, you are building DOE matrices, presenting findings at design reviews, and collaborating with cross-functional engineers. This role requires the ability to context-switch between creative design work and disciplined hands-on execution - you are equally comfortable behind a CAD screen and turning wrenches at a test bench.
About the team
The Prototyping & Integration (PI) Team accelerates hardware development through rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and integration of novel Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and systems for the Optical Intersatellite Link organization. Our service areas span Hardware Fabrication, Electrical Integration, Systems Hardware Development, DVT and Qualification Testing, and Quality Assurance

Our learnings are directly applied to scale aerospace manufacturing processes and enable risk reduction through comprehensive Design Verification Testing and qualification testing. We seek candidates who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where ownership, operational excellence, and engineering-first approaches are valued.