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.
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.
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
