Satellite Integration & Process Improvement Specialist

Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC; Kirkland (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC in Kirkland, WA is seeking a hands-on operations specialist to support flight hardware production for enterprise-grade space hardware. You will work with Engineering to repair and improve hardware and keep calibration and tooling programs on track.

You’ll lead process improvements, handle non-conformances, provide technical training, and coordinate with facilities and NPI teams to ensure on-time delivery and safe, compliant manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Assist and understand repair or R&R of defective flight hardware
• Develop and implement repair procedures and processes with Engineering
• Collaborate with engineers to resolve complex hardware and software issues
• Maintain certification and traceability of all tools and equipment across Nadir and Zenith production lines
• Serve as primary liaison for calibration services, ensuring all instruments remain within calibration intervals per AS9100/ISO 17025 standards
• Ensure all tools meet quality, safety, and flight-hardware handling standards
• Perform inventory control; set up and maintain line tool carts per station configuration requirements
• Conduct routine maintenance on fiber optic fusion splicers, OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) equipment, and all fiber-related machines required for line operations
• Program, configure, and validate Atlas Copco torque tools to engineering-specified parameters; maintain torque tool calibration records
• Track tool life cycles and coordinate replacement or refurbishment before end-of-service intervals
• Maintain tool control logs in MES and ensure FOD (Foreign Object Debris) accountability for all tooling
• Identify areas for improvement in production and repair processes across Panel and Deck Integration workflows
• Design and implement efficiency-enhancing solutions using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives including Kaizen events, 5S audits, and value stream mapping with Process Engineers
• Develop and track process improvement metrics (cycle time reduction, first-pass yield, rework rates)
• Champion standardization of work instructions and SOPs across Nadir and Zenith lines to reduce variability
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to validate process changes through First Article Inspections (FAI)
• Document lessons learned and best practices; ensure cross-pollination of improvements between lines
• Triage non-conformances in production and repair processes; provide first-level dispositioning ensuring it is performed correctly or identifying needed improvements (rework, use-as-is, scrap)
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Track NC trends and manage KIR tickets in Jira for cross-functional resolution
• Ensure all NC documentation meets AS9100 traceability requirements for flight hardware
• Develop and conduct training programs for technicians and/or L&D
• Provide technical guidance to production teams
• Create and maintain technical documentation
• Assist with new technician training and OJT
• Onboarding of new technicians if/when required assistance is needed
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules for production equipment across Nadir and Zenith lines
• Oversee facility improvements related to production efficiency, safety, and cleanroom compliance
• Assist with inventory of supplies, consumables, and spare parts; monitor shelf-life and reorder points
• Ensure workstation readiness including ESD controls, FOD prevention, and ergonomic standards
• Partner with Facilities and EH&S teams on workspace optimization and safety walk-throughs
• Lead and participate in cross-functional projects spanning Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Test teams
• Research and implement new technologies, tooling, and methodologies to improve production throughput and quality
• Collaborate with various teams to drive project completion within scope, schedule, and budget constraints
• Develop project plans with milestones, deliverables, and risk mitigation strategies
• Coordinate line readiness activities for new satellite variants or design changes (ECOs/ECNs)
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities including build planning, tooling procurement, and workstation layout
• Track project status and communicate progress through regular stakeholder updates and program reviews
• Manage action items and dependencies using Jira and Smartsheets to ensure on-time delivery
• Assist with procurement of supplies, consumables, and production materials; maintain minimum stock levels to prevent line-down events
• Support equipment maintenance planning and execution across Nadir and Zenith lines
• Collaborate with facilities teams on workspace optimization and production floor layout
• Ensure ESD compliance and safety protocols are maintained per ANSI/ESD S2

Job description

Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC in Kirkland, WA is seeking a hands-on operations specialist to support flight hardware production for enterprise-grade space hardware. You will work with Engineering to repair and improve hardware and keep calibration and tooling programs on track.

You’ll lead process improvements, handle non-conformances, provide technical training, and coordinate with facilities and NPI teams to ensure on-time delivery and safe, compliant manufacturing.