The Propulsion Engineering Manager will lead the mechanical design team for Project Kuiper's satellite propulsion system. You will manage a team of mechanical engineers responsible for developing and implementing complex propulsion design solutions for our satellite constellation.
As the team leader, you will oversee the complete mechanical design and integration of propulsion subsystems, including Hall effect thrusters, cathodes, propellant management systems, and associated structures. Your responsibilities encompass full lifecycle management from design concepts and prototype development, CAD design, through production implementation. You will work closely with propulsion subject matter experts, propulsion systems engineers, a Propulsion engineering test team, Propulsion technical program managers, and the Propulsion Manufacturing organization.
The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in satellite propulsion systems, demonstrated leadership experience, and strong mechanical engineering fundamentals. Success in this role requires excellent project management capabilities and the ability to drive complex technical programs from concept through production.
This position offers the opportunity to shape next-generation space propulsion technology while leading a team at the forefront of satellite constellation development.
Key job responsibilities
Core Responsibilities:
- Direct mechanical design and integration of spacecraft propulsion systems, including CAD design and preliminary thermal/structural analyses
- Manage Propulsion design change requests and execution according to a Propulsion design roadmap
- Coordinate with manufacture and test teams to prioritize and execute development, qualification test programs, as well as production verification activities for design changes
- Lead manufacturing support activities such as non-conformance investigations, and strategic efforts to deliver a design supporting ambitious production rate targets
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for technical issues, where appropriate
- Coordinate with Propulsion teams on test & manufacturing fixture design
- Work effectively with the satellite manufacturing team, and supply chain to coordinate rolling and block design changes of the Propulsion System
- Communicate to Project Kuiper change control boards to justify significant design changes, and recommend solutions to complex technical problems
- Coordinate with partner teams for detailed engineering analysis
- Own the review and release of propulsion engineering drawings
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years experience managing engineering teams developing spacecraft flight hardware
- Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years experience with spacecraft electric propulsion
- 3+ years experience with Hall Effect thrusters
- 3+ years experience with propellant management systems.
- 5+ years experience managing engineering teams developing spacecraft flight hardware
- 5+ years exerience with engineer drawing review and release
- Experience and success working with peer and stakeholder engineering teams and stakeholder teams: thermal, structural analysis, loads, and manufacturing
- Experience maintaining a design in a production environment: responding to issues arising from supplier quality, supply chain risks, and making rolling changes to maintain or improve design manufacturability
- Advanced degree (M.Sc., Ph.D.) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field.
- Experience with integrating high power avionics (e.g. power processing units) for aerospace applications.
- Experience conceiving and managing research and development projects.
- Experience delivering designs that are qualified to SMC-S-016
- Experienced in designing to industry standards
- Demonstrated experience developing, defining, and deploying internal design standards for a company or design team, with input from stakeholder teams
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
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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.