The Propulsion Test Engineer will work within the Kuiper Propulsion Team in the development, operation, and optimization of electric propulsion test infrastructure. This person will get to develop and improve testing capabilities for a variety of different propulsion subsystems, including PCBA's, feed systems, thrusters, cathodes, tanks, and integrated propulsion systems.
The Test Engineer will develop and design new test capabilities as well as improve existing test frameworks in order to ensure the needed test coverage is achieved at increasing production rates. This will include hardware automation and test software optimization of existing systems, buildup of additional systems for parallel testing, and performing and utilizing development testing to inform methods of accelerating production testing and improving screening. The Test Engineer will also contribute to finding solutions to challenging problems by investigating root causes for hardware failures as well as trading process methodologies, schedule constraints, and test coverage in order to enable increased production rates to be obtained.
Key job responsibilities
- Define and implement solutions to optimize and automate electric propulsion system testing
- Develop test automation, data acquisition, and data analysis hardware and software to improve test efficiency and cycle times
- Perform root cause investigations to understand hardware and test failures and disposition flight hardware non-conformances
- Work with hardware subsystem owners to ensure test coverage is maintained across multiple development and flight hardware design update cycles
- Perform development testing and data analysis to inform methods of accelerating existing testing without reducing hardware screening capabilities
- Work with other engineers to refine test requirements and the methodologies to test against those requirements
- Train operators in the execution of developed testing and processes
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.
A day in the life
The Propulsion Test Engineer will develop and perform a variety of hardware tests of propulsion subsystems as well as integrated systems to ensure the hardware meets qualification and acceptance requirements for flight. They will also work closely with multiple engineering teams to identify process improvements to improve test efficiency. A successful candidate thrives in a fast paced, start-up like environment and is able to apply their technical expertise and commitment to quality to positively impact organization goals. To be successful they will need to be highly motivated and detail oriented while showing the highest standards of execution.
About the team
The Kuiper Propulsion Team is responsible for the design and development of the propulsion system which provides maneuvering capability to the spacecraft. The Propulsion Team is made up of a variety of sub-teams which are responsible for various aspects of the development process, such as mechanical design, systems engineering, subject matter experts, manufacturing, and test. This integrated team structure allows direct communication and rapid process feedback while also promoting close collaboration across the team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or equivalent experience
- 3+ years developing automation, data acquisition, or control software
- 3+ years experience with electrical test equipment and data acquisition systems
- 3+ years of developing or optimizing manufacturing or test processes
- 3+ years investigating hardware failures or performing root cause analysis
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience developing software with Python, LabVIEW, or TestStand
- Experience testing electric propulsion systems or their subsystems
- Experience developing and operating pressurized fluid systems in aerospace environments
- Experience developing test processes in a production environment
- Experience working with space flight hardware
- Experience with Highly Accelerated Stress Screening (HASS)
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 $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.