System Development Engineer – Lab & Test Automation, Project Kuiper

Project Kuiper is Amazon's ambitious initiative to bridge the digital divide through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). As a System Development Engineer on the DevOps team, you'll be at the intersection of software and hardware, developing automation solutions for spacecraft hardware development. This role combines software engineering with hands-on hardware interaction, where you'll create test automation scripts, build user interfaces, and develop control systems for lab environments.

You'll work directly with hardware engineers and lab specialists, applying your programming skills to real-world physical challenges. The position involves writing robust Python scripts, developing Linux-based automation frameworks, and creating tools for lab instrumentation and test execution. You'll also contribute to robotics and electromechanical systems used in spacecraft testing.

The Development Operations (DevOps) team is a multidisciplinary group responsible for the development, testing, and qualification of spacecraft hardware. This entry-level position offers unique exposure to space technology while focusing on automation and tooling. The role requires strong programming skills, particularly in Python and Linux, and at least one year of experience in integrated hardware/software environments.

The compensation is competitive, ranging from $89,200 to $185,000 based on location, plus equity and comprehensive benefits. This position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to export control regulations. You'll be based in Redmond, WA, working with cutting-edge space technology while contributing to a mission that aims to provide global broadband access to underserved communities worldwide.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about both software development and space technology, offering the chance to work on meaningful projects that combine both disciplines while being part of Amazon's innovative space initiative.