Project Kuiper is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Project Kuiper will help close the digital divide by delivering fast, affordable broadband to a wide range of customers, including consumers, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in places without reliable connectivity.
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.
The Development Operations (DevOps) team is seeking a Hardware Development Specialist II specializing in Spacecraft Hardware Development to support mechanical and electrical hardware builds, development testing, failure analysis, and custom test equipment fabrication. This role requires hands-on expertise in both mechanical and electrical domains, enabling the seamless execution of hardware modifications, instrumentation, and complex test setups.
As a Hardware Development Specialist II, you will be embedded within our design and development teams, working closely with hardware engineers, technicians, and test engineers to accelerate spacecraft hardware development. While lab management and organization will be part of your responsibilities, the primary focus is executing technical work that directly impacts hardware design, qualification testing, and root cause analysis of failures.
Key job responsibilities
- Execute hardware builds, modifications, and rework for spacecraft subsystems, including mechanical and electrical assemblies.
- Set up and operate test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems to support development and qualification testing.
- Troubleshoot and debug mechanical and electrical hardware, working with design teams to implement corrective actions.
- Support failure analysis investigations, including X-ray, CT scanning, cross-sectioning, and other analytical techniques.
- Assist with the fabrication and assembly of custom test setups, harnessing, and mechanical fixtures to support testing and development.
- Maintain competency on specialized lab equipment and train team members on proper usage.
- Develop and maintain lab processes, equipment maintenance schedules, and tracking systems to ensure efficient lab operations.
- Collaborate with design teams to provide early-stage manufacturability and testability feedback on hardware designs.
- Support production issue troubleshooting by developing and executing test methodologies to diagnose hardware failures.
- Drive a safety-first mindset, ensuring compliance with lab best practices, ESD protocols, and proper handling of high-voltage and precision mechanical systems.
About the team
The Development Operations team plays a critical role in bringing spacecraft designs from concept to reality. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced aerospace hardware, tackle challenging hands-on engineering problems, and directly contribute to the success of next-generation spacecraft development. If you thrive in a hands-on, high-impact role, we’d love to hear from you!
