Spacecraft Hardware Development Specialist, Amazon Leo DevOps

Amazon Kuiper Infrastructure LLC; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Leo is seeking a hands-on hardware development engineer to take components from concept to production for space hardware. The role involves working with design engineers to iterate quickly, assemble and test spacecraft mechanisms, and maintain lab spaces and equipment for a fast-paced R&D environment.

Ideal candidates will have 4+ years in space/aerospace fabrication, experience with precision mechanical/electrical testing, and comfort with documenting build notes and test records.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of measurement devices such as oscilloscope or frequency analyzer.
• Associate's degree or equivalent in Electronics, Mechanics, Product Design, Manufacturing Technologies, or other STEM discipline.
• 4+ years in a Space/Aerospace/Military/Precision fabrication/Test environment.
• 1+ year experience working with precision mechanical and electrical fabrication/testing.
• Must be able to climb a ladder and work at heights above 6 feet.

Responsibilities

• Work with design engineers to iterate hardware quickly, optimize manufacturability, and qualify hardware for space.
• Support hardware through the full development arc - initial prototyping, development builds, testing, and rigorous qualification testing.
• Mechanical and electrical assembly of various spacecraft mechanisms.
• Troubleshoot hardware and test setup issues, working through problems to root cause.
• Engineer and adapt lab spaces and equipment to meet evolving customer needs, keeping labs clean, organized, and functioning well for their intended purpose, including tracking equipment calibrations.
• Develop custom automation equipment to support test and build needs.
• Maintain clear work documentation, including build notes and test records.
• Accurately estimate time required to complete tasks, and meet deadlines as assigned.
• Participate constructively and take ownership in the success of interdisciplinary projects.
• Familiarity with aerospace/space quality standards for mechanical and electrical components.

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent in Electronics/Mech/STEM

Tools

Oscilloscope

Frequency Analyzer

Job description

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.

This role is for a highly dynamic and motivated individual that will work on development hardware to meet the needs of Amazon Leo. We are looking for an individual who works well with engineering teams under minimal oversight to take hardware from concept to production. You'll partner directly with design engineers to iterate hardware quickly and qualify it for space, following that hardware through the full arc of development - initial prototyping, development builds, testing, and rigorous qualification testing. You'll also help shape the lab spaces themselves, adapting layout and equipment as designs change to keep labs clean, well-organized, and set up to serve their engineering customers. This will be an R&D focused position, and the work covers the full range of hardware development lab support - assembly, troubleshooting, testing, equipment upkeep, and documentation - so expect the day-to-day to shift as project needs change.

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

• Able to work with minimal guidance and instruction
• Partner directly with design engineers to iterate hardware quickly, optimize manufacturability, and qualify hardware for space
• Support hardware through the full development arc - initial prototyping, development builds, testing, and rigorous qualification testing
• Mechanical and electrical assembly of various spacecraft mechanisms
• Troubleshoot hardware and test setup issues, working through problems to root cause
• Engineer and adapt lab spaces and equipment to meet evolving customer needs, keeping labs clean, organized, and functioning well for their intended purpose, including tracking equipment calibrations
• Develop custom automation equipment to support test and build needs
• Maintain clear work documentation, including build notes and test records
• Accurately estimate time required to complete tasks, and meet deadlines as assigned
• Participate constructively and take ownership in the success of interdisciplinary projects
• Familiarity with aerospace/space quality standards for mechanical and electrical components

About the team

The Amazon Leo Development Operations (DevOps) team builds and maintains the labs and hardware infrastructure that let engineering teams design, prototype, and test satellite hardware quickly. We support projects from first prototype through qualification testing, and our team members cross-train across assembly, test, and lab equipment so we can flex to wherever the work is needed. Priorities shift fast as designs evolve, and you'll often move between projects to keep pace with what engineering teams need next. We take pride in keeping our labs and equipment in excellent shape, and we hold ourselves to a high standard because the hardware we build and test directly impacts what makes it to space.

Basic Qualifications

• Knowledge of tools and measurement devices (oscilloscope, frequency analyzer, or equivalent)
• Can lift up to 49 pounds, stand/walk during shifts lasting up to 12 hours, and be able to frequently push, pull, squat, bend, and reach
• Associate's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Electronics, Mechanics, -Product Design, Manufacturing Technologies, or other STEM discipline
• 4+ years in a Space/Aerospace/Military/Precision fabrication/Test environment
• 1+ year experience working with precision mechanical and electrical fabrication/testing
• Must be able to climb a ladder and work at heights above 6 feet

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years in a Space/Aerospace/Military/Precision fabrication/Test environment
• Experience in a R&D/development/Test role highly desirable
• Experience supporting hardware qualification testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, shock, etc.)
• Familiarity with basic machining operations (manual mill, lathe, etc.)
• Experience designing or building custom test fixtures and tooling
• Familiarity with hardware testing procedures and instrumentation setups (data acquisition, strain gauges, load cells, etc.)
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T
• Experience organizing or maintaining a lab or shop space, including equipment calibration tracking
• Exposure to production equipment and processes
• A&P certificate, IPC 620, 610 or J-STD

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