Sr. Solar Development Engineer, Solar Design Team

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 will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.

We are seeking a Sr. Aerospace Hardware Development Engineer to join the Solar Design this role you will lead the design development and qualification of solar array hardware for next-generation LEO constellation spacecraft. You will own solar array hardware development across the array portfolio which includes solar power modules deployable wing structures secondary structures and array-level mechanical interfaces. You will be expected to operate broadly across this hardware and step into ownership of critical subsystems as the team scales.
The ideal candidate is a strong mechanical or aerospace engineer with experience in solar array hardware deployable structures or lightweight aerospace assemblies. Experience with composites adhesive bonding thin-film polymers or flexible substrate technologies is highly valued as the team is actively developing next-generation lightweight array concepts. You are comfortable taking ambiguous hardware problems from requirements definition through qualification and you maintain a hands-on connection to your hardware throughout the development cycle.

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
Lead the design analysis and qualification of solar array subsystems (modules wing structures composites secondary structures mechanical interfaces) from concept through production readiness.
Drive materials selection and qualification for lightweight array structures including adhesive bonding composites polymer films and thin-film encapsulants.
Create and iterate detailed CAD and engineering artifacts including geometry schematics ply schedules material selections and test methods.
Develop validation and qualification campaigns including environmental testing materials characterization and hardware acceptance suitable for mass production.
Perform or direct structural thermal and durability analysis to verify design margins and support trade studies.
Lead technical engagements with materials suppliers cell vendors and manufacturing partners.
Collaborate with adjacent teams (power systems structures thermal mechanisms manufacturing) on interfaces and integration.
Lead and participate in design reviews. Present hardware status and trade-offs to technical leadership.


A day in the life
You will operate with significant autonomy owning the development of array hardware subsystems end-to-end. Your time will split between design and analysis collaboration with cross-functional partners and hands-on work in the lab with your hardware. The ideal candidate is self-motivated and comfortable making engineering decisions in a fast-paced environment where priorities and focus areas evolve with program needs.

About the team
The Solar Design team owns the design qualification and technology development of the satellite solar array assembly including solar power modules secondary structures (wings frames blankets) and array-level interfaces and deployment mechanisms. The team supports multiple concurrent programs from production support through next-generation development and advanced R&D. You will work within the Mechanical Engineering organization and collaborate broadly with Power Systems Structures Thermal Mechanisms Manufacturing and Mission Operations teams.

- Bachelors degree or above in mechanical engineering electrical engineering material science physics or equivalent or experience working in Science Technology Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)
- 5 years of experience in hardware development (aerospace automotive defense motorsport or similarly demanding industries) with demonstrated experience leading design analysis and qualification of hardware.
- Experience with lightweight structures deployable systems or precision mechanical assemblies in a performance-critical environment.
- Experience driving hardware from concept through build test and qualification.
- Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication hardware builds or laboratory testing.

- Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Materials Science or related field.
- Direct experience with satellite solar array or photovoltaic module hardware development.
- Experience with flexible or roll-out solar array technologies including lightweight substrates blanket architectures or deployable structural concepts.
- Experience with materials and process development for aerospace structures: adhesive bonding composite laminates polymer films or thin-film encapsulants.
- Experience transitioning hardware designs from development into volume manufacturing.
- Experience with structural FEA (Ansys NASTRAN or equivalent) or thermal analysis for lightweight structures.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical trade-offs to cross-functional teams and leadership.

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 - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually