Development Lab Test Engineer, Amazon Leo OISL

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable broadband connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From households to small businesses, schools, hospitals, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve communities and organizations operating in places without dependable internet access

We are seeking a Development Lab Test Engineer to join our Prototyping & Integration (PI) Team. In this role, you will execute environmental and reliability test campaigns that validate hardware performance under launch and on-orbit conditions. You will operate and maintain vibration/shock systems, thermal chambers, and thermal-vacuum (TVAC) equipment to subject optical terminal assemblies and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) to qualification and development verification testing. Working under the direction of senior engineers, you will ensure test setups are prepared correctly, tests are executed per approved procedures, data is collected and validated, and results are documented and communicated to stakeholders.

This is a hands-on role requiring mechanical aptitude, disciplined process execution, and attention to detail. You will work closely with design engineers, test technicians, TPMs, and manufacturing engineering to support testing milestones and maintain continuous lab readiness.

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
- Execute environmental test campaigns including vibration, mechanical shock, thermal cycling, TVAC, and HALT/HASS testing per approved test plans and procedures.
- Operate and maintain environmental test equipment including electrodynamic shakers, shock machines, thermal chambers, and thermal-vacuum systems; ensure continuous readiness and calibration.
- Prepare test setups including fixturing, instrumentation (thermocouples, accelerometers), cable routing, and chamber configuration per engineering documentation.
- Monitor in-progress tests for anomalies, equipment faults, or out-of-tolerance conditions; take corrective action and escalate when needed. Validate test data upon completion and document results in test tickets.
- Perform fiber optic splicing and routing in support of optical hardware integration and test configurations.
- Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and 5S standards; manage consumables inventory and equipment maintenance schedules.
- Communicate testing status and results to cross-functional partners; support the refinement of test procedures and continuous improvement initiatives.

A day in the life
You will start each day reviewing active tests — checking chamber profiles, vibration controller logs, and TVAC telemetry to confirm overnight runs completed without faults. Between campaigns, you are preparing the next setup: mounting hardware to shaker fixtures, routing thermocouples, splicing fiber, or running equipment checkouts. Throughout the week you coordinate with engineers and TPMs on upcoming priorities and keep the lab organized, calibrated, and ready.

The ideal candidate is mechanically hands-on, thrives on disciplined execution, takes pride in well-maintained equipment, and communicates clearly when something doesn't look right.

About the team
The Prototyping and Integration Team accelerates hardware development through rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and integration of novel Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and systems for the Optical Intersatellite Link organization. Our service areas span Hardware Fabrication, Electrical Integration, Electromechanical Hardware Development, DVT and Qualification Testing, and Quality Assurance. Our learnings are directly applied to scale aerospace manufacturing processes and enable risk reduction through comprehensive testing. We seek candidates who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Success requires high motivation, attention to detail, and the highest standards of execution. Basic Qualifications: - Experience with product level validation testing (Thermal, EMC/EMI, Shock, Cycle Testing, etc.)
- Experience in written and verbal communication with the ability to present complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to executives and non-technical leaders
- Associate's degree in a technical science or engineering-related field, or equivalent with 5+ years of experience in environmental testing, hardware test, or related lab operations.
- Experience with test instrumentation including accelerometers, thermocouples, and data acquisition systems.
- Experience reading and executing detailed test plans and procedures in a lab or manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a cleanroom or controlled lab environment following ESD and contamination control protocols. Preferred Qualifications: - 3+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience
- Experience reading and writing procedures, technical documents, and engineering drawings, or experience leading technical teams through daily operations and maintenance evolutions
- Experience with fiber optic splicing, termination, and handling.
- Familiarity with environmental test standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-1540, SMC-S-016, GEVS, or equivalent.
- Experience operating vibration controller software (Vibration Research, Data Physics, M+P, or similar).
- Experience operating data acquisition systems (LabVIEW, Dewetron, HBM, or equivalent).
- Experience troubleshooting environmental test equipment, chamber control systems, or test infrastructure.
- Working knowledge of ERP or MES systems for tracking test operations.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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 https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t 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 https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 39.47 - 69.08 USD hourly