What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principle HW Configuration Manager, Project 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.
We are seeking a seasoned Principal Technical Program Manager to lead hardware configuration management efforts for our current and next-generation satellite programs. This role is central to ensuring that complex hardware changes are captured, communicated, and implemented across the entire lifecycle of the spacecraft. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering teams to design tools and workflows that promote rigorous control while preserving agility that is required to compete in the new-aerospace market.
This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in cross-functional environments, excels at translating engineering complexity into scalable processes, and has a track record of driving aerospace hardware teams to success.
Key job responsibilities
Program Leadership
- Own the end-to-end configuration management strategy for satellite mechanical systems.
- Align with partner teams—including manufacturing, integration, and operations—to evaluate the impact of hardware changes and identify optimal implementation timing (cut-ins) to minimize risk and disruption.
- Drive strategic decision-making on when and how changes should be released, ensuring traceability and coordination across teams.
Tooling and System Design
- Partner with Engineering Information Systems to design, build, and deploy tools that automate and streamline configuration workflows.
- Define data structures, interfaces, and metadata that support traceable, real-time configuration control.
- Influence the roadmap for PLM and change management tools, ensuring they meet evolving program needs.
Process Design and Change Control
- Define and maintain configuration baselines for major satellite components.
- Establish change management workflows that are robust, auditable, and easy to use.
- Track and document hardware modifications from design through launch.
Training and Enablement
- Create training content and onboarding resources for engineers and program teams.
- Coach teams on best practices for configuration control, including when and how to formalize changes.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify pain points in existing CM workflows and drive process improvements.
- Leverage automation and custom scripting where necessary to reduce manual work and error risk.
- Benchmark against aerospace industry best practices and adjust strategy accordingly.
A day in the life
As a Principal Technical Program Manager for Satellite Configuration Management, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of engineering, systems, and execution. On any given day, you might:
- Meet with mechanical engineers to review upcoming hardware changes and understand their system-level impact
- Align with downstream teams to evaluate when a change should be implemented based on availability, testing status, and integration readiness
- Work with Engineering Information Systems to scope a new tool that improves visibility into configuration state across the satellite program
- Dig into the details of a recent change request to ensure documentation is complete and the change is properly linked to a configuration baseline
- Coach engineers through best practices for capturing and communicating design intent
- Drive a working session to improve a change workflow that’s causing unnecessary friction
- Collaborate with TPMs and program leads to ensure configuration integrity as systems evolve over time
- Translate technical requirements into roadmap input for PLM or PDM systems
- Provide input to executive reviews on how configuration decisions affect vehicle effectivity and delivery timelines
This role blends big-picture systems thinking with a deep commitment to executional clarity. It’s a great fit for someone who enjoys translating complexity into structure and scaling that structure across teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 10 years of experience in technical program management, with 5 years in the aerospace or spacecraft domain.
- Deep experience managing configuration for complex mechanical or electromechanical systems.
- Strong working knowledge of PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and change management principles.
- Proven ability to lead technical programs and align stakeholders across engineering and operations.
- Clear and concise communicator, skilled in driving documentation and decision clarity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Experience integrating or customizing PLM tools to match specific engineering workflows.
- Familiarity with CAD and PDM systems used in spacecraft design.
- Understanding of Agile methodologies applied to hardware development.
- Knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, 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 $159,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $275,300/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 : $159,300 - $275,300
