Manufacturing Engineer, Kuiper Launch Operations
DESCRIPTION
Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of more than 3,000 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.
The success of Kuiper depends on the quality, reliability, cost, integration, throughput, and security of the products delivered. It is a fast-paced, dynamic environment. As part of the Kuiper team, you will support resolution of difficult problems that have high impact, and help create a brand new set of launch site processes and standards. To be successful you need to be highly motivated and detail oriented while maintaining the highest standards of execution.
The Manufacturing Engineer will lead a team of technicians through satellite offloading from shipping system, processing through the cleanroom, performing electrical test validation and battery charging, and other movements of the spacecraft. The satellite operations consist of using with tools and equipment like overhead cranes, forklifts, and hand tools. The electrical test consists of operating a power supply system, running scripts and commands, and reviewing data from the spacecraft.
The Manufacturing Engineer will author and update work instructions, ensure operations follow system and process requirements, identify and implement process controls, and drive continuous improvements and corrective actions. This individual with work closely with other Launch Operations teams and cross-functional organizations like engineering and quality.
The ideal candidate is comfortable in a highly technical, fast-paced, and collaborative setting; is able to interpret technical requirements and turn them into actionable steps; is knowledgeable with assembly and test of flight hardware.
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
Planning material flow and implementing manufacturing processes for satellite handling and testing operations.
Adhere to safety requirements, standards and procedures in all work locations.
Final assembly and test of the Kuiper satellites using various ground systems in a clean-room and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) controlled environment.
Verify satellite health using computer-controlled equipment to command and monitor satellite telemetry.
Execute work assigned individually and/or with the team to meet production schedule.
Define rigging diagrams and lift operations and the process and validation of commissioning lift equipment.
Interface with cross-functional teams for payload processing facility commissioning and setup validation.
Evaluate and improve takt time of operations.
Author and implement work instructions and standard processes.
Resolve anomalies and implement corrective actions.
Responsible for maintenance and calibration of mechanical ground equipment and tooling.
Collaborate with leads, peers, and engineers to improve processes and activities.
Perform other duties, as assigned, to ensure an efficient, safe and effective work environment.
Able to obtain and maintain licenses, and/or certifications as required by job responsibilities (i.e. forklift, crane, electrical).
Able to use pallet jacks and forklifts for hardware movement.
Use precision calibrated tools – torque wrenches, micrometers, and calipers.
Use electrical test equipment tools -- multi-meters, breakout boxes, and harnesses.
Mentor new and junior team members.
Operations will occur primarily on first shift, Monday-Friday but off-shift and weekend work may be required depending on production/launch schedule.
Must be willing and able to perform extended travel up to 25% annually, either domestically or internationally as business needs demand.
A day in the life
The Manufacturing Engineer will spend majority of their day on the shop floor leading a team of technicians through satellite receiving and offload operations through electrical checkout and battery charging. They will work with other engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to setup, operate, and maintain the electrical checkout equipment and the satellite receiving/offload mechanical ground equipment. They will lead root cause investigations and implement production controls and corrective actions. They will use engineering best practices in a safe, repeatable manner to increase operation efficiency and reduce non-conformances.
The Manufacturing Engineer will have experience in space hardware assembly, integration, and test, with a particular focus on mechanical handling and electrical test systems.
About the team
Here at Amazon, we embrace our differences. We are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. Amazon has ten employee-led affinity groups, reaching 40,000 employees in over 190 chapters globally. We have innovative benefit offerings, and host annual and ongoing learning experiences.
At Amazon, our mission is to be the most customer-centric company on Earth. To get there, we need exceptionally talented, bright and driven people. We're dedicated to supporting new team members. Our team has a broad mix of experience levels and Amazon tenures, and we’re building an environment that celebrates knowledge sharing and mentorship.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, physics, material science or other related discipline.
- 2+ years' experience working with space flight hardware in a mechanical integration and test system.
- 1+ years' experience authoring and executing mechanical and test work instructions.
- Experience working with Foreign Object Debris (FOD), ESD sensitive hardware, and in a clean room.
- Experience with forklifts, cranes, rigging, and heavy equipment (including previous certifications).
- Able to obtain and maintain a US Passport & must meet customs entry requirements to include but not limited to: Yellow Fever vaccine and other immunization requirements as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Ability to pass Kennedy Space Center background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Experience with hands-on satellite or other flight-hardware assembly build and integration, rework, repairs, and troubleshooting.
- Experience working with electrically energized systems.
- Experience in a fast-paced processing environment.
- Experience with handling and tracking systems for continuous material flow to manufacturing lines.
- Formal training/certifications in Operational Excellence System (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma, etc.).
- 1+ years' experience defining test and operation requirements.
- Familiar with QTP/ATP, production test methods, and use of data acquisitions and collection systems.
- Familiar with satellite builds and launch operations.
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.
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