Manager, Tooling and Automation, Kuiper Production

Project Kuiper is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.

The Tooling and Automation Manager is a key leadership position within the Project Kuiper production organization. Reporting to the Director of Production, this role is responsible for overseeing the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) including tooling, transport and automation systems used in the production of satellites and their component systems.

The ideal candidate will have end-to-end knowledge of space hardware development and launch activities, and will have an excellent track record of building systems for flight hardware development and production. The role requires extensive collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams to create the strategy for production system changes, align budgets, and plan schedules to satisfy production cadence.

Key job responsibilities

• Build and lead the teams of engineers and technicians that design and produce tooling and automated equipment for Kuiper satellite production.
• Define the strategic vision for design and delivery of GSE systems – spanning subsystems and vehicle builds, transport tooling, and launch vehicle-level encapsulation tooling.
• Manage integration of automated equipment such as robots and CNCs into the factory, implementing a strategy for configuration control as well as monitoring and execution though a SCADA system with integration.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to identify and execute project priorities while managing the overall tooling and automation budget and schedule.
• Identify and drive trade studies as needed to down select options.
• Establish protocols for safe operation of equipment and systems.
• Work with manufacturing and subsystem teams to ensure cost optimized assembly and test tooling solutions for intended volume production.
• Hiring, leading and mentoring junior and senior staff for above tasking.

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.


A day in the life
The Manager of Satellite Tooling and Automation must be a visible leader, who earns the respect of their teams through their experience, strong communication skills, and deep knowledge of spacecraft production and launch tooling. The role is highly impactful, and will drive our success as the premier satellite broadband constellation.


About the team
Project Kuiper's mission is to provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Development of Kuiper's prototype satellites takes place in Redmond, WA, and we have announced a new full-rate production facility in Kirkland, WA.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's or advanced degree in mechanical, or electrical engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of engineering experience in the design, development, build, test, and deployment of production equipment systems
• 5+ years of experience building & managing teams, and working with technology suppliers
• 3+ years of experience with department level project management, schedule, and budgeting
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in the design, qualification, production and deployment of complex electro-mechanical automation, tooling systems, material handling, other industrial equipment / structures for spacecraft hardware and vehicles
• 5+ years of experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and incorporation of automated data collection to build work orders
• Experience in strategic factory design, equipment, and other industrial systems for complex products with stringent quality requirements
• Experience with qualifying space hardware to applicable standards, such as SMC standard SMC-S-016
• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals including statics, dynamics, mechanics of material, electrical theory, industrial programming, robotics, control systems, factory SCADA systems and other control network components.
• Experience with manufacturing theory and quality control processes.

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