Payload In-Orbit Test Engineer (RF/Communication Systems), Project Kuiper

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 Payload Test Engineer, you will be an integral part of the team that tests and verifies the Kuiper production payload system. You will work closely with colleagues throughout Project Kuiper's wide-ranging, inter-disciplinary team to support both on-the-ground payload testing and in-orbit payload operations including test definition, execution, optimization and troubleshooting. You must be flexible, responsive, and able to succeed within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

As a member of the Payload Integration and Test team, you will be responsible for verification and validation of the entire RF system composed of multiple wireless components. This includes everything from hands-on RF lab work to test definition, test software development, and on-orbit RF and network payload test support. You will test, analyze, and optimize RF systems from baseband modems to RF transceivers to phased-array antennas.

Responsibilities

- Develop and maintain all aspects of flight-like RF testbeds on the ground, including basic RF, networking, and Linux configuration aspects

- Define test plans, test procedures for in-orbit payload testing and verification, as well as developing system-level concepts of operation and RF analyses

- Design and implement system-level RF and network tests, constantly striving to automate, optimize, and improve efficiency

- Review and interpret test results, troubleshoot issues, perform root-cause analysis, and develop corrective actions for test failures and in-orbit anomalies

- Support payload system-level integration, test, and verification, from hands-on integration in the lab to field testing and support

- Support in-orbit payload operations from test-like-you-fly verification on the ground to on-going constellation payload operations

- Collaborate across diverse technical teams such as flight software, cloud software, modem, and mission operations to optimize system-level RF and network operations

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 QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with 5+ years of RF, satellite, or aerospace industry experience

- Strong cross-functional coordination skills

- Experience with satellite RF link budgets, payload in-orbit testing, low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems, and/or payload mission operations

- Experience with Linux, basic networking skills, and RF lab equipment configuration

- Experience with test development in Python or similar language

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with 8+ years of RF, satellite or aerospace industry experience

- Experience with RF measurement equipment, including power meters, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers/generates, etc.

- Proficiency with test development in Python

- Experience with common database query languages and viewing tools, such as SQL and Grafana

- Experience with common AWS Cloud Services

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 https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $129,800/year in our lowest geographic market up to $212,800/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.

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