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.

The Development Operations (DevOps) team is seeking a Hardware Development Specialist II specializing in Spacecraft Hardware Development to support mechanical and electrical hardware builds, development testing, failure analysis, and custom test equipment fabrication. This role requires hands-on expertise in both mechanical and electrical domains, enabling the seamless execution of hardware modifications, instrumentation, and complex test setups.

As a Hardware Development Specialist II, you will be embedded within our design and development teams, working closely with hardware engineers, technicians, and test engineers to accelerate spacecraft hardware development. While lab management and organization will be part of your responsibilities, the primary focus is executing technical work that directly impacts hardware design, qualification testing, and root cause analysis of failures.

Key job responsibilities

• Execute hardware builds, modifications, and rework for spacecraft subsystems, including mechanical and electrical assemblies.

• Set up and operate test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems to support development and qualification testing.

• Troubleshoot and debug mechanical and electrical hardware, working with design teams to implement corrective actions.

• Support failure analysis investigations, including X-ray, CT scanning, cross-sectioning, and other analytical techniques.

• Assist with the fabrication and assembly of custom test setups, harnessing, and mechanical fixtures to support testing and development.

• Maintain competency on specialized lab equipment and train team members on proper usage.

• Develop and maintain lab processes, equipment maintenance schedules, and tracking systems to ensure efficient lab operations.

• Collaborate with design teams to provide early-stage manufacturability and testability feedback on hardware designs.

• Support production issue troubleshooting by developing and executing test methodologies to diagnose hardware failures.

• Drive a safety-first mindset, ensuring compliance with lab best practices, ESD protocols, and proper handling of high-voltage and precision mechanical systems.

About the team

The Development Operations team plays a critical role in bringing spacecraft designs from concept to reality. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced aerospace hardware, tackle challenging hands-on engineering problems, and directly contribute to the success of next-generation spacecraft development. If you thrive in a hands-on, high-impact role, we’d love to hear from you!

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in a hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment.

• Proficiency in mechanical and electrical assembly, including experience with soldering, crimping, connectorization, and precision mechanical builds.

• Hands-on experience operating test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, thermal chambers, load cells, and data acquisition systems.

• Ability to interpret and work from engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and electrical systems, including debugging circuits, power systems, and mechanical mechanisms.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities while ensuring high-quality execution.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with design, test, and manufacturing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field, OR equivalent hands-on industry experience.

• Experience with harness fabrication and routing for development and flight hardware.

• Familiarity with vacuum systems, high-voltage testing, and environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI).

• Knowledge of materials and mechanical properties as they relate to aerospace applications.

• Experience with programming or scripting for test automation (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).

• Previous experience managing or organizing a hardware development lab, including tools, consumables, and equipment maintenance.

• Hands-on machining, 3D printing, or fabrication experience.

• Experience with failure analysis techniques such as X-ray/CT scanning, cross-sectioning, and material characterization.

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 $89,500/year in our lowest geographic market up to $189,900/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.