Senior Mechanical Engineer, Propulsion, Amazon Leo

Amazon Leo is Amazons 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 serves people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.

As a mechanical engineer within the propulsion team you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of propulsion hardware from first-principles concept through high-volume production and on-orbit operation. You will combine analytical rigor with build-and-test ownership to produce hardware that is lightweight cost-effective and performs consistently at scale. This is a hands-on role which requires collaboration across functional boundaries to develop thrusters cathodes fluidic components and system packaging.

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.

Key job responsibilities
- Own the complete lifecycle of one or more propulsion subsystems from conceptual design through qualification high-volume production and on-orbit performance monitoring
- Design and analyze plasma-facing mechanical components: emitter assembles orifice plates keeper electrodes and thermal management packaging with full accountability for performance and life
- Develop design criteria collaborate on requirements and lead system-level trade studies. Rapidly iterate on designs and analysis to inform high level trades and steer product development
- Produce complete design documentation - drawings tolerance analyses and test plans - at a level of detail that drives qualification & production without ambiguity
- Apply DFMA practices to minimize part counts and process steps while meeting high performance targets
- Plan and execute vacuum chamber tests performance characterization and environmental qualification to validate analytical models and demonstrate compliance
- Lead root cause investigations for hardware failures and non-conformances; owning corrective action through closure
- Work cross-functionally with experts in plasma physics avionics thermal structures and materials as an accountable technical partner across the full product lifecycle

- Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent
- 7 years of technical engineering experience
- Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume
- Experience with qualification testing of space-grade hardware

- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in aerospace engineering mechanical engineering or related discipline
- Experience designing building and testing electric propulsion subsystems such as Hall effect thrusters cathode assemblies discharge channels or ion engines
- CAD software expertise (SoldiWorks NX Creo etc)
- Experience with tolerance analysis on precision assemblies
- Experience with structural analysis
- Experience with thermal analysis
- Proficiency with Python or MATLAB for test data analysis and life model development

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 for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt 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 WA REDMOND - 137300.00 - 185700.00 USD annually