Propulsion Lab Engineer, Project Kuiper

Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Project Kuiper will help close the digital divide by delivering fast, affordable broadband to a wide range of customers, including consumers, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in places without reliable connectivity.
The Propulsion Lab Engineer will work within the Kuiper Propulsion Manufacturing (MFG) team in the development, operation, and optimization of electric propulsion MFG infrastructure. This person will support the development of MFG capabilities for a variety of different propulsion subsystems, including feed systems, thrusters, cathodes, PCBA's, tanks, as well as the integrated propulsion system.
The Lab Engineer will support MFG infrastructure development and execution processes as they transition MFG capabilities towards achieving higher production rates. They will develop and own processes which impact the daily production MFG workflows and diagnose and solve MFG issues in order to ensure production operations proceed efficiently. They will work with responsible engineers to develop MFG hardware and software improvements, and coordinate training of MFG Operators on developed processes.
Key job responsibilities
- Define standard operating procedures for manufacturing equipment changes and maintenance processes
- Assist in the build and development of test hardware, such as fixturing and harnessing
- Train operators in the execution of developed processes
- Work with manufacturing engineers to diagnose and solve issues and improve test throughput and stability
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.
About the team
The Kuiper Propulsion Manufacturing Team is responsible for the design and development of the propulsion system which provides maneuvering capability to the spacecraft. The Propulsion Team is made up of a variety of sub-teams which are responsible for various aspects of the development process, such as mechanical design, systems engineering, subject matter experts, manufacturing, and test. This integrated team structure allows direct communication and rapid process feedback while also promoting close collaboration across the team.
We are open to hiring candidates to work out of one of the following locations:
Redmond, WA, USA
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of relevant hardware manufacturing/testing experience
- 2+ years of hands-on work experience with precision manufacturing equipment such as laser welders, microscopes, or precision fixtures
- 2+ years of experience contributing to documentation and procedures
- 2+ years of experience in a fast-paced production environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience testing aerospace hardware
- Experience working with vacuum and/or pressurized gas systems
- Experience with test execution software such as TestStand, LabView, and Python
- Experience with testing of production hardware designed for space environments
- Experience building up test racks and infrastructure
- Experience working with FOD, ESD sensitive hardware and clean room requirements
- Ability to rapidly change roles/responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment
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 $65,700/year in our lowest geographic market up to $165,200/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. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.