Senior Reliability Engineer, Project Kuiper

DescriptionProject 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.We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Reliability Engineer to join the Hardware Reliability Engineering team within the satellite development organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electronics manufacturing processes, hardware reliability concepts, and reliability test practices, with a focus on ensuring the functional reliability and performance of satellite hardware systems in the harsh environment of space. You will be responsible for developing and implementing design-for-reliability best practices, conducting rigorous testing, and analyzing on-orbit data to enhance the robustness of Kuiper satellite hardware.You will play an important role across key dimensions of a product’s lifecycle: design trades, product development and release, manufacturing process qualification, supply chain reliability, environmental stress screens, and on-orbit fault and failure investigations. You will be a key member of a high-performance team responsible for delivering a reliable satellite constellation.Key job responsibilitiesReliability Analysis and Testing:Develop and implement reliability test plans for satellite hardware components.Perform stress screening, environmental testing, and drive failure analysis to ensure satellite hardware meets reliability and performance targetsAnalyze designs and test results to identify potential failure modes and mitigations.Design and Development Support:Collaborate with design engineers to implement design for reliability best practices.Act as a key stakeholder in reviewing and approving designs for release.Participate in design reviews and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) to assess potential reliability issues.Failure Investigation and Root Cause Analysis:Investigate manufacturing non-conformances and field hardware failures to determine root cause. Travel as needed to perform deep dives into supplier processes.Develop and recommend corrective actions to address identified reliability issues.Maintain detailed records of failure analysis and reliability assessments.Reliability Modeling and Simulation:Utilize reliability modeling and simulation tools to predict hardware performance and lifespan.Develop and maintain reliability prediction models and databases.Documentation and Reporting:Prepare detailed reliability reports, test plans, and procedures.Present findings and recommendations to engineering teams and management.Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for satellite hardware reliability.Continuous Improvement:Stay current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices in hardware reliability engineering.Propose and implement process improvements to drive improvements in reliability across the program.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.Basic QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.5+ years of experience in hardware reliability engineering, preferably with a focus on satellite systems or space applications.Significant knowledge of reliability engineering principles, methods, and tools.Knowledge with environmental testingProficiency in failure analysis techniques and materials characterization methods.Familiarity with electronics (PCBs, PCBAs, electronic components) and moving mechanical assemblies.Self starting, with excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.Team-player with clear and concise written and oral communication skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to productionExperience with the project management of technical projectsDoctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.Experience with environmental testing, including temperature cycling, vibration, highly accelerated limit testing (HALT), and highly-accelerated stress screening (HASS).Proficiency in Python, including NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Plotly, and Matplotlib.Familiarity with PCB fabrication, SMT, and polymerics application manufacturing processes.Familiarity with relevant industry standards, including IPC, JEDEC, AIAA, AEC, MIL, and SMC standards.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. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $128,600/year in our lowest geographic market up to $213,600/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 This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.