Solar Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
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.
Amazon Leo seeks an experienced Test Engineering Manager to lead our Mechanical Test Development team, designing advanced test infrastructure for satellite mechanical systems. This hands-on leadership role requires a self-starter with deep technical expertise in mechatronics, automation, and space flight hardware testing, focusing on developing bespoke solutions for solar arrays, mechanisms, and structural components.
The ideal candidate will push to develop innovative test approaches, rapidly generate reliable data, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams to support comprehensive hardware development and qualification processes.
Key job responsibilities
• Lead and manage a test development engineering team for satellite hardware, driving technical strategy and innovation in test methodologies for Solar Arrays, Mechanisms, and Structural Systems.
• Oversee comprehensive test planning, design, and execution, ensuring rigorous characterization and validation of spaceflight hardware through advanced testing techniques and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, guiding engineers in developing best practices for mechanical testing, design optimization, and performance assessment of satellite subsystems.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations while maintaining compliance with aerospace standards and delivering cost-effective, high-reliability solutions.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations to continuously improve testing processes, hardware performance, and overall mission readiness for satellite constellation development.
• You will lead by example by developing a strong understanding of the flight hardware and its test systems as well as contribute to hiring, mentoring, and career growth of the engineers on your team.
A day in the life
As an Amazon Leo Test Development Engineering Manager, you will lead your team to develop automated test equipment used to validate satellite hardware designs from initial prototypes, though functional testing, and into pilot production. You will drive collaboration with design, analysis, and manufacturing teams to specify test equipment requirements, develop test plans, and execute test campaigns to support development and production test initiatives. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and comfortable operating in a fast-paced development environment.
About the team
This team is organized within the satellite mechanical design team to accelerate the design iteration process and ensure on-time delivery of the most stable and successful product possible. The tasks and daily focus change rapidly, and you will often take on new and exciting responsibilities as required to ensure project success. Expect to be deployed to complex problems and novel technical challenges that push you to develop new skills. You'll be constantly looking for ways to improve your product's performance, quality and cost.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of new hardware products development experience
- Experience with the project management of technical projects
- 3+ years of engineering team management experience
- Bachelor's degree or above in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics or equivalent, or Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 1+ years of professional or military experience
- 5+ years of experience developing test infrastructure to meet the needs of testing space craft or similarly complex systems.
- 5+ years of experience with automating hardware testing or developing controls software using Python, LabVIEW, Test Stand, or similar
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Power Engineering, or a related field
- Knowledge of AWS or cloud technologies
- Experience developing products for large volume production
- Experience managing teams of 8+ engineers
- Experience with integration and testing of satellite hardware.
- Experience in development of test plans and protocols related to established Space Hardware test processes (GEVS / SMC-S-016 / MIL-STD-810)
- Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
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.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, WA, Redmond - 151,000.00 - 204,300.00 USD annually