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Director, Engineering - GNC & Propulsion, Kuiper Guidance Navigation and Control

Amazon, Redmond

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Director, Engineering - GNC & Propulsion, Kuiper Guidance Navigation and Control & Propulsion

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Director, Engineering - GNC & Propulsion, Kuiper Guidance Navigation and Control & Propulsion

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Description
Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Learn more here:

Description
Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Learn more here: Director of Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), & Propulsion, you will manage the development and delivery of software to fly the spacecraft from the moment of launch to re-entry. This group includes four teams;
The Attitude Determination and Control System team (ADACS) is responsible for automated attitude control of the satellite throughout the mission The ADACS team works with our hardware engineering teams to specify, design, qualify and integrate sensors and actuators with our flight computer, estimation and feedback control algorithms. The team also participates in the development of the communications systems that need accurate pointing.
The Flight Dynamics team (FDS) is responsible for Navigation functions, and all orbital mechanics needed to ascend from dispense to operational altitudes, merge into flight formation with the constellation, and to safely avoid collisions. They develop software applications and automated systems which plan and execute maneuvers. The flight dynamics team owns research and automation associated with space traffic coordination and management. The team also provides the technical support to regulatory matters, and works with other constellation operators and stakeholders in space safety.
The Propulsion team is responsible for the in-house designed electric propulsion system and the associated manufacturing of that system. This includes the fundamentals of the system, all mechanical design, the embedded software and all systems (automated test systems, assembly) associated with manufacturing.
All three teams contribute to constellation concepts of operations and are actively engaged in the operation of Kuiper satellites in flight.
The GNC& Propulsion team is responsible for all software development unique to ADACS, FDS and Propulsion teams. This software includes the high-fidelity physics simulation that supports the full spectrum of simulation applications used throughout Kuiper. The team has an outsized role in functional integration of the satellite, command and control and flight operations.
Key job responsibilities
You will mentor an exceptional, diverse team of leaders, and work with our partners in executing cross-disciplinary product development with a high bar for rigor and technical excellence. You must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment, and not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities. This means you are not only able to develop and drive high-level strategic initiatives, but can also roll up your sleeves, dig in and get the job done.
As a group leader, you will anticipate bottlenecks, provide escalation management, anticipate and make tradeoffs, and balance the business needs versus technical constraints. The ability to take large, complex projects and break them down into manageable pieces, develop functional specifications, then deliver them in a successful and timely manner is expected. Maturity, judgment, negotiation skills, ability to influence, analytical talent and leadership are essential to success in this role.
The right candidate will possess a strong software management background and a well-rounded technical background in software, hardware and systems engineering. Prior experience with spacecraft is highly preferred.
Basic Qualifications

  • 10+ years’ experience with the development and operation of space flight vehicles for GNC components, ConOps, Propulsion and constellation management
  • Design & development for Satellite or Aerospace manufacturing and production
  • Bachelor's degree in sciences, engineering or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree, or PhD in sciences, engineering or equivalent is preferred
  • Experience with spacecraft (or aircraft) guidance, navigation and control systems.
  • Experience with orbital mechanics.
  • Experience with space traffic coordination.
  • Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, connectivity, structural and thermal engineering techniques for spacecraft design
  • Managing multiple simultaneous complex programs across hardware, software and operations dependencies
  • Experience with systems engineering of space systems
  • Direct experience in lab test environments and flight testing
  • Designing for high reliability
  • Track record of successfully delivering complete systems (hardware, firmware, software, algorithms) on time, to scope, with high quality
  • Satellite constellation management
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 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 $215,600/year in our lowest geographic market up to $335,500/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.

Company - Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
Job ID: A3016625

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Director

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Manufacturing and Engineering

  • Industries

    Software Development

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