Key job responsibilities
Design and develop spacecraft structural hardware and vehicle architectures.
Integrate multiple spacecraft subsystems into a cohesive mechanical design.
Perform engineering trade studies balancing structural performance, manufacturability, mass, cost, schedule, and integration requirements.
Develop detailed mechanical designs from concept through production.
Collaborate across Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal, RF, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering.
Support structural analysis, qualification testing, manufacturing, and launch integration activities.
Resolve hardware issues through root cause analysis and engineering problem solving.
Contribute to the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) release process and configuration of flight hardware.
A day in the life
As a Spacecraft Hardware Engineer, you'll spend your day solving multidisciplinary engineering problems that span the entire spacecraft. One meeting may focus on integrating a new propulsion component into the vehicle, while the next evaluates structural changes needed to improve manufacturability or simplify assembly. You'll participate in design reviews, develop structural concepts, support qualification testing, work with manufacturing teams, and collaborate with engineers across nearly every technical discipline. Every decision contributes to building a spacecraft that is structurally sound, manufacturable, launchable, and ready for years of successful operation in orbit.
About the team
The Bus Structures team is responsible for the physical realization of the spacecraft. Beyond designing the primary and secondary structure, we develop the overall vehicle architecture and ensure every subsystem integrates into a cohesive spacecraft. We provide the system-level perspective necessary to balance structural performance, thermal performance, RF accommodations, manufacturability, assembly, transportation, launch vehicle integration, testability, and operational success.
As the primary vehicle integration authority, our team works across every engineering discipline to optimize the spacecraft as a complete system rather than individual subsystems. We also own the final mechanical configuration through the Product Lifecycle Management release process, ensuring the vehicle definition remains consistent throughout development and production.
5+ years of working in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience
Experience in the design of complex mechanical products and equipment at volume
Experience working on multi-team, cross-disciplinary projects
Experience with CAD tools and engineering documentation.
Experience developing aerospace, spacecraft, defense, automotive, or other highly integrated hardware systems.
Experience with structural analysis, finite element analysis, or mechanical testing.
Experience with product integration, systems engineering, or multidisciplinary design trade studies.
Experience supporting hardware through qualification, manufacturing, and production.
Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and engineering change processes.
Experience balancing competing technical requirements across multiple engineering disciplines.
Understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, structural analysis, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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 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, WA, Redmond - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually
