Lead R&D Maintenance Technician, Development Lab Operations

Amazon; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon seeks an experienced Lead R&D Maintenance Technician for the Leo DevOps Equipment Team in Los Angeles. You will perform preventive and corrective maintenance on mission-critical R&D test equipment, including thermal vacuum chambers and environmental test systems, ensuring uptime for satellite development programs.

You’ll lead safety standards, mentor junior technicians, coordinate with vendors and site leadership, and drive process improvements to scale the maintenance organization as the

Qualifications

• Experience with preventive and corrective maintenance on R&D equipment such as thermal vacuum chambers, environmental test systems, and specialized aerospace platforms.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, diagrams, and flow charts.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, Outlook; strong computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute preventive and corrective maintenance on specialized R&D equipment.
• Commission and operate test equipment with minimal oversight.
• Perform functional checks and advanced troubleshooting on test equipment.
• Identify and procure critical spare parts inventory.
• Mentor junior technicians and coordinate with vendors and site leadership.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Technical drawings interpretation

Electrical/Mechanical/HVAC knowledge

Attention to detail

Control systems knowledge

Education

Technical certification or equivalent training

Job description

Lead R&D Maintenance Technician, Development Lab Operations

Job ID: 10501815 | Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
As an R&D Maintenance Technician on the Leo DevOps Equipment Team, you’ll perform corrective and preventive maintenance on mission-critical R&D test equipment — including thermal vacuum chambers, environmental test systems, and specialized aerospace testing platforms that are foundational to Leo satellite development programs.
Working semi-autonomously with minimal oversight, you’ll install and commission functional test equipment and execute full life cycle maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and control systems. You’ll troubleshoot moderate to high-complexity technical issues, evaluate equipment deficiencies, complete risk assessments, and drive corrective actions that sustain maximum uptime and performance.
As a senior technician on the team, you’ll serve as a technical leader and force multiplier — setting the standard for safety and workmanship, mentoring and upskilling junior technicians, and acting as a trusted point of contact for vendors, partner teams, and site leadership. You’ll anticipate infrastructure needs, coordinate change management activities, and translate frontline insight into process improvements that raise the capability of the entire team. This role is a key contributor to the operational readiness of test infrastructure supporting current and next-generation satellite development efforts — and to building a maintenance organization that scales with the program.

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.

Key job responsibilities

• Independently execute preventive and corrective maintenance on specialized R&D equipment
• Commission and operate test equipment with little to no oversight
• Perform functional checks, moderate to advanced troubleshooting and root-cause failure analysis on specialty development test equipment
• Identify, procure and maintain an inventory of single point failure critical spare parts
• Work in challenging environments, timelines and circumstances while solving electro-mechanical problems
• Troubleshoot moderate to advanced complexity mechanical and electrical issues without established procedures, job plans and safety documents
• Have an advanced understanding of liquid/gaseous nitrogen systems, chilled water systems and high-pressure systems — plus their applications inside the facility
• Identify electrical and other utility requirements dictated by equipment manufacturer
• Operate critical infrastructure independently, efficiently and safely

Basic Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, diagrams, and flow charts
• Knowledge of basic computer business applications such as MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook
• 3+ years electrical, mechanical and/or HVAC experience in critical infrastructure — or technical school certification equivalent and 1+ years of equivalent experience
• Applied competency with hand, diagnostic and precision measuring tools
• High attention to detail while maintaining high quality standards
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and control systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Electrical or mechanical Journeyman License
• 1+ years experience in detailed operations or maintenance of vacuum chamber, thermal chamber or vibration table equipment
• 4+ years of electrical or mechanical experience in an aerospace development lab
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, training, or leading technicians, or serving as a technical lead or point of contact on a maintenance team

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .

USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 96,000.00 - 166,300.00 USD annually

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.