Blue Origin · 7 hours ago
Photonics Systems Test Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$121K/yr - $169K/yr
3+ years expBlue Origin is working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems. The Photonics Systems Test Engineer will focus on developing fiber and laser amplifiers for space optical communication links, collaborating with various teams to validate performance and improve reliability.
AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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/M², 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
Qualification
Required
BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
3+ years of hands-on testing and characterization of fiber lasers or optical amplifiers
Proficient in fiber-optic 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/M², 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 fast-paced lab environment
Knowledge of laser safety practices (e.g., ANSI Z136) and safe handling of high-power optical systems
Preferred
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 free-space 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 cross-disciplinary integration with electronics and firmware
Benefits
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%
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.
Company
Blue Origin
Blue Origin is an aerospace company that focuses on lowering the cost of spaceflight and helping to explore the solar system.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$185.35MKey Investors
NASAUnited States Space Force
2024-02-20Secondary Market
2024-01-24Undisclosed· $18M
2021-12-03Grant· $130M
Leadership Team
David Limp
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Collins
Vice President, Global Supply Chain
Recent News
2026-02-05
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