Mechanical Liaison Engineer, Optical Inter-Satellite Link

DESCRIPTION

Project Kuiper is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.

As a Mechanical Liaison Engineer on the OISL team, you will support mechanical integration, structural analysis, and problem resolution for high-reliability optical communication hardware. You’ll play a key role in ensuring that design intent, manufacturing feasibility, and mechanical robustness align across the entire hardware lifecycle.

Key job responsibilities

• Applies knowledge of OISL mechanical and opto-mechanical design principles to assess and resolve structural and integration issues across the product lifecycle.
  
• Analyzes, conducts root cause analysis, and develops dispositions for mechanical non-conformances related to fixturing, bonded joints, fasteners, and assemblies.
  
• Investigates technical and operational issues that require mechanical insight and develops rework or redesign recommendations.
  
• Identifies and documents structural deviations and manufacturing anomalies; communicates risk and resolution strategies.
  
• Dispositions non-conformance events throughout the lifecycle: design, machining, assembly, alignment, testing, launch integration, and ground support.
  
• Develops rework procedures, stress justifications, DFM recommendations, and custom tooling or fixturing to support build.
  
• Works with quality, manufacturing, mechanical engineering and structural engineer teams to drive resolution of complex integration issues.
  
• Interfaces with suppliers, GSE designers, and systems teams to ensure structural and mechanical robustness in both tooling and flight assemblies.
  

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

Each day begins by reviewing test data, addressing non-conformances, and aligning with quality, integration, and design teams. You’ll investigate root causes-whether optical, electrical, or mechanical-then propose and implement solutions to keep hardware on track. Hands-on work may include troubleshooting hardware, authoring rework instructions, or validating process improvements on the floor. You balance speed and rigor, ensuring fixes are well-documented and maintain design intent. Your efforts directly support the delivery of reliable, space-ready optical inter-satellite link systems.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
  
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, integration, or test of aerospace or high-precision systems.
  
• Experience with CAD tools (NX preferred), GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
  
• Experience with mechanical hardware prototyping and testing.
  
• Experience with bonded joint design, optical mounts, and structural analysis methods.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with Ansys or similar FEA tools for structural margin analysis.
  
• Knowledge of contamination control and integration practices for optical/mechanical systems.
  
• Background in spacecraft or space-qualified mechanical systems.
  

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.

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.

Job details

USA, WA, Redmond

Project Kuiper

Hardware Development