We are seeking an Electro-Mechanical Prototype Engineer to join our Prototyping & Integration (PI) Team. In this role, you will execute the hands-on fabrication and assembly of prototype wire harnesses and PCB assemblies for next-generation optical communication hardware. Working directly from engineering schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings, you will build, solder, rework, and validate electro-mechanical assemblies to workmanship standards that support rapid hardware iteration cycles.

This role is primarily lab-focused - you will spend the majority of your time building and prototyping hardware, with supporting time dedicated to harness routing documentation, BOM generation, process documentation, and hardware procurement coordination. Attention to detail, ESD and traceability discipline, and a commitment to a clean, organized lab are essential to producing quality hardware the team can trust.

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 prototype harness builds and electro-mechanical assemblies from engineering schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings-including mil-spec connector crimping and pinning-to workmanship and traceability standards.

- Perform PCB soldering, rework, and inspection (through-hole and surface mount) using hand soldering stations and associated tools.

- Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs); identify, source, and procure required hardware and components.

- Operate hand tools, DVMs, hi-pot testers, and Rapid Harness software to execute and validate builds.

- Create and maintain technical documentation-harness schematics, routing drawings, system-level diagrams, work instructions, and assembly notes-for repeatable prototype and low-rate production builds.

- Communicate build status, issues, and blockers to engineers and team leads, escalating in a timely manner while maintaining a safe, clean, ESD-controlled lab.

A day in the life

You will spend your days in a lab environment - building prototype harnesses, soldering and reworking PCB assemblies, and crimping and pinning connectors using various tooling. Between builds, you are updating harness documents, generating BOMs, procuring components, and writing SOPs to capture repeatable processes. No two days look exactly the same: you may spend a full day on a complex harness build, or split time between PCB rework, drawing updates, and process simplification.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, comfortable working autonomously, and energized by seeing hardware come together from drawings to functional assemblies.

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 using common electronics test equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, function generators, etc)

- Experience reading and writing procedures, technical documents, and engineering drawings, or experience in electrical or mechanical engineering

- Associate's degree or equivalent in Electronics, Electrical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or related STEM discipline; or 5+ years of equivalent hands-on experience.

- 5+ years of hands-on experience building wire harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies-including soldering and PCB rework (through-hole and surface mount)-by reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.

- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in a lab or prototype shop environment following ESD protocols.

- Must be able to perform fine motor tasks-soldering, pinning, and harnessing-and visually inspect and distinguish fine detail in precision electro-mechanical components, with or without reasonable accommodation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience working with hardware and software teams for setting up, testing, and troubleshooting prototype devices

- 3+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience

- Experience in written and oral communication, including the ability to communicate with all levels in the organization (technical, business, executive)

- Experience with harness design and routing.

- IPC-A-610 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification.

- IPC-J-STD-001 certification with Space Addendum (Aerospace).

- Experience with DMC crimp tools and mil-spec connector assembly.

- Knowledge of hi-pot testing and electrical validation methods.

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