Second Shift - Propellant Loading Engineer, Project Kuiper

Propellant Loading Engineer

Project Kuiper is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite broadband network. Its mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers and communities around the world. 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 solve difficult problems where resolutions 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 Propellant Loading Engineer will lead a team of technicians through satellite battery charging, propellant loading, post-load testing, and securing operations. The propellant loading system commodities consist of cryogenic liquid Nitrogen and high-pressure gaseous Argon and Krypton; experience with cryogenic and/or high-pressure fluids systems preferred, especially in spaceflight/launch operations settings. The Engineer performs satellite load and system test per propulsion and satellite requirements, authors and updates operational procedures, implements process controls, and supports continuous improvement. The Engineer will initiate and disposition nonconformances when they arise, working closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams as required to execute and resolve issues. The ideal candidate is comfortable in a highly technical and collaborative setting and is able to interpret technical requirements and turn them into actionable steps.

Key job responsibilities include:

• Maintaining satellite processing flow through satellite propellant loading on second shift
• Continuously improving propellant loading and test processes
• Evaluating and improving takt time
• Authoring and implementing work instructions and standard processes
• Resolving anomalies/nonconformances and implementing corrective actions
• Responsible for maintenance and calibration of propellant loading components and tooling
• Primarily on second shift, 3pm - 11:30pm Monday-Friday, with first/split-shift work required for first several months for training
• Off-shift and weekend work may be required depending on production/launch schedules
• Domestic or international travel may be required as business needs demand

A day in the life The propellant loading engineer will spend the majority of their shift on the cleanroom floor leading a team of technicians through satellite propellant loading operations and ground system maintenance. They will take-over from the first-shift team and work with other engineering/quality teams to maintain processing flow of satellites through prop-load, disposition and address nonconformances, investigate root cause of failures and issues, and implement production control/optimization strategies. They will implement propulsion engineering best practices in a safe and repeatable manner, implement efficiency improvements, and reduce nonconformances.

About the team The Propellant Loading Team is part of the Satellite Processing Zone at Project Kuiper's Payload Processing Facilities. The SAT Zone is responsible for receiving, testing, and processing each satellite from the factory in WA. The Prop Load team's mission is to safely, consistently, and efficiently load propellant on all 3,236 satellites that will be launched to populate the Project Kuiper constellation. The team is based at the Comet PPF in Kennedy Space Center, and travels to support propulsion operations at other PPFs as the launch manifest requires.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
• 2+ years' experience working with mechanical and/or propulsion or pneumatic systems
• 1+ years' experience authoring and executing test procedures that verify test requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Passport
• Ability and willingness to comply with the Government of French Guiana which mandates that travelers receive vaccinations
• Ability to pass Kennedy Space Center background checks

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years' experience working with mechanical and/or propulsion or pneumatic systems
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design, test and operation from concept to production
• Experienced with various automated manufacturing processes, including assembly and test methods at component level, subsystem, and system level
• Experienced with handling and tracking systems for continuous material flow to manufacturing lines
• Highly familiar with QTP/ATP and production test methods, and automated data acquisition and collection
• Formal training/certification in Operational Excellence Systems (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma, etc.) a plus
• Strong organizational, analytical, root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Able to stand for long periods of time and perform repetitive assembly operation
• Able to climb up and down ladders, work in tight spaces, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, and stretching may be required to perform the functions of this position
• Able to lift at least 25 lbs. unassisted

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 $105,600/year in our lowest geographic market up to $185,000/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.