What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Manager– Spacecraft Mechanical, Kuiper position at Amazon?
DESCRIPTION
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.
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.
This role is for a highly innovative and dynamic individual with the ability to drive teams to the most cost effective, mass optimized, reliable solutions for the Kuiper Satellite Constellation. In this role, you’ll lead a team of highly skilled individuals to define system requirements, develop technology roadmaps, and instill best practices as we scale our constellation. This is a hands-on role and requires a self-starter with extensive skills in mechanical design, analysis, and testing of space flight hardware. You will be required to negotiate on your teams behalf with other cross functional disciplines to ensure we arrive at the most optimized solutions for our mission objectives.
Responsibilities
· Lead a team of mechanical engineers towards program goals of developing the most reliable products at the lowest cost.
· Oversee the design, analysis, and testing of high-reliability mechanical systems for space applications.
· Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, structural, thermal, and manufacturing teams to optimize system performance.
· Manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations to meet program milestones.
· Drive continuous improvement and innovation in mechanical design and deployment technologies.
· Provide technical guidance on material selection, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques for spaceflight hardware.
· Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and problem resolution throughout the product development lifecycle.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 10 years in mechanical engineering, with a focus on space systems, satellite solar arrays, or deployable mechanisms.
- 3 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects.
- Strong expertise in structural analysis, kinematics, materials, and thermal considerations for space applications.
- Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
- Knowledge of space environmental factors, including launch loads, thermal cycling, and radiation effects.
- Understanding of aerospace industry standards (NASA, ECSS, MIL-STD, etc.).
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with new technology development in deployable structures and solar array advancements.
- Hands-on experience with space hardware manufacturing and testing.
- Familiarity with spaceflight qualification and verification processes.
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.
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.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $135,900/year in our lowest geographic market up to $234,900/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.
Salary : $135,900 - $234,900
