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: https://www.aboutamazon.com/what-we-do/devices-services/project-kuiper
As 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.
