Description

Project Kuiper is a visionary initiative within Amazon that aims to revolutionize global connectivity through the development of a state-of-the-art Low Earth Orbit (LEO) interconnected satellite communication constellation. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Mission Systems Engineer to join our innovative team. This role involves working directly with government customers across the globe to harness the power of our broadband Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega constellation for advanced communication solutions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of satellite communications, link budget analysis, RF and or optical communication systems, and understanding of security and compliance for government applications.

Key job responsibilities

As the Senior Mission Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of secure and reliable satellite communications for government applications. Your primary responsibility will include engaging with both US and International Government customers to understand and fulfill their communication needs, familiarity with link budget fundamentals for both space-to-space and space-to-ground communications, and leading the design and integration of cutting-edge satellite and ground communication systems. Your expertise in RF/Optical systems and government controlled environments will be crucial in ensuring optimal performance, while your commitment to security and compliance will safeguard sensitive information. Additionally, you will mentor junior engineers, drive technical innovation, and manage multiple high-impact projects, contributing significantly to our mission of providing advanced communication solutions through our broadband LEO mega constellation.

Candidates with a combination of the basic qualifications and any number of preferred qualifications will be well-equipped to contribute effectively and grow with our developing organization.

Security Clearance: Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI, so you must be a U.S. citizen for consideration.

A day in the life

In this role, you will be involved in collaborating with government customers to understand their system needs, use cases and operational scenarios, designing and optimizing link budgets, and integration advanced communication systems. You'll conduct technical analyses, troubleshoot issues, and ensure security and compliance standards are met. Mentoring junior engineers, you will serve as technical lead, brainstorm innovative solutions, work with hardware and software integration, and manage and balance multiple projects to ensure timely delivery. Your day ends with reviewing system performance and preparing technical documentation, driving forward our mission of delivering on behalf of our customers. You will be required to be onsite working with our collaborative team and developing our culture 5 days a week.

Basic Qualifications

All candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or higher level security clearance.

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Physics, Electrical engineering, or related technical field of study

• 15+ years proven experience in satellite and or ground communication systems

• Work with government agencies and defense contractors to understand their communication needs and provide tailored satellite solutions

• System Design and Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and integrate satellite communication systems, including hardware and software components.

• Antenna and RF System Expertise: Provide technical expertise in the design, development, and testing of antennas and RF systems to ensure optimal performance.

• Technical Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the strategic direction of the satellite communications engineering team.

• Innovation and Problem Solving: Drive innovation in satellite communications technology and solve complex technical challenges to enhance system performance and reliability.

• Experience creating and/or providing feedback for engineering documentation and artifacts such as Requirements Verification Traceability Matrices (RVTM), Interface Control Documents (ICD), Systems Architecture Documents and Diagrams

• Experience with Systems Design Lifecycle artifacts and reviews such as Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and Test Ready Reviews (TRR).

• Experience with Military Standards that impact Systems Design and Development such as MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-1399, MIL-STD-704, DO-160

• Experience conducting trade studies and leading Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) evaluations

• Experience testing systems and ability to troubleshoot and identify bottlenecks

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in and ability to work in a fast paced, collaborative environment

• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical concepts

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree, Masters (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical engineering, or related technical field of study with a strong foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of communication theory

• 20+ years’ space industry experience, with previous work on deployed space systems, or satellite communications ground systems

• Familiarity with communication and networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP), wireless technologies, signal processing, and software defined networks

• Knowledge and familiarity with unique challenges of designing for space environments, including radiation tolerance and mitigation, thermal constraints, and reliability considerations is highly valued

• Knowledge of space communication protocols including MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire or CCSDS

• Expertise in simulations using non-flight hardware for prototyping and demonstrating early risk reduction including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments

• Familiar with operation and use of electronics lab instruments, such as an oscilloscope or logic analyzer for basic digital circuit debugging

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, especially in the context of space systems

• Experience in orbital dynamics, mission management, satellite commanding.

• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) languages, artifacts and design patterns

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.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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 $136,100/year in our lowest geographic market up to $235,200/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.