About the position
Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 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. This role is for a highly innovative and dynamic individual with the ability to drive teams to the most cost effective, mass optimized, reliable solutions for the Kuiper Satellite Constellation. In this role, you'll lead a team of highly skilled individuals to define system requirements, develop technology roadmaps, and instill best practices as we scale our constellation. This is a hands-on role and requires a self-starter with extensive skills in mechanical design, analysis, and testing of space flight hardware. You will be required to negotiate on your teams behalf with other cross functional disciplines to ensure we arrive at the most optimized solutions for our mission objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of mechanical engineers towards program goals of developing the most reliable products at the lowest cost.
- Oversee the design, analysis, and testing of high-reliability mechanical systems for space applications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, structural, thermal, and manufacturing teams to optimize system performance.
- Manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations to meet program milestones.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in mechanical design and deployment technologies.
- Provide technical guidance on material selection, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques for spaceflight hardware.
- Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and problem resolution throughout the product development lifecycle.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years in mechanical engineering, with a focus on space systems, satellite solar arrays, or deployable mechanisms.
- 3+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and projects.
- Strong expertise in structural analysis, kinematics, materials, and thermal considerations for space applications.
- Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX) and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN).
- Knowledge of space environmental factors, including launch loads, thermal cycling, and radiation effects.
- Understanding of aerospace industry standards (NASA, ECSS, MIL-STD, etc.).
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with new technology development in deployable structures and solar array advancements.
- Hands-on experience with space hardware manufacturing and testing.
- Familiarity with spaceflight qualification and verification processes.
Benefits
- 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.
- Equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package.
- Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.
