At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the photovoltaic test lab and collaborate with scientists on innovative solar projects.
- Company: Join Amazon's cutting-edge satellite network team, delivering reliable internet globally.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to connect underserved communities with fast internet.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in STEM and 6+ years of lab equipment experience required.
The predicted salary is between 136900 - 185200 $ per year.
Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
Key job responsibilities
- Own the day-to-day operation of the photovoltaic test lab, including equipment calibration schedules, preventive maintenance, and lab readiness for solar cell and module test campaigns.
- Partner directly with senior solar scientists to scope test requirements, then design and execute the test setups, fixturing, and data collection methods that meet those requirements.
- Provide direct technical feedback on proposed test setups and equipment choices, drawing on hands-on experience to flag issues before they cost the team time.
- Manage and prioritize concurrent test requests across multiple scientists and programs, communicating status, risk, and trade-offs clearly.
- Own data integrity and traceability for all test outputs — consistent formatting, version control, calibration records, and documentation that others can pick up and trust.
- Troubleshoot equipment and test setup issues at the root cause, working with vendors when equipment service is required.
- Develop and maintain test procedures, work instructions, and lab documentation; train other lab staff on equipment and methods.
- Drive lab-wide process improvements (layout, tooling tracking, calibration systems) and mentor other lab engineers.
A day in the life
As a Sr. Lab Engineer, you'll split your time between hands-on equipment operation and coordinating with the scientists who rely on your lab. You might start the morning checking a solar simulator's calibration ahead of a test run, then sit down with a senior scientist to scope a new test fixture for an upcoming module characterization. Mid-day could involve troubleshooting a data acquisition issue on an environmental chamber, or reviewing test data with a colleague to make sure it's clean and properly logged before it feeds into someone else's analysis. You'll be the steady hand that keeps test campaigns moving accurately and on schedule, even as priorities shift.
About The Team
The Amazon Leo Development Operations (DevOps) team supports the Satellite Vehicle Engineering organization's solar array development effort, providing the lab infrastructure, equipment, and test execution that our solar scientists depend on. The team supports multiple concurrent programs spanning production satellites, next-generation module development, and advanced solar cell R&D. Priorities shift quickly, and you'll take on new responsibilities as needed to keep the lab running and the team successful.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related STEM field.
- 6+ years of experience operating and maintaining precision lab test equipment in an electrical, electro-optical, or similar high-precision test environment.
- Demonstrated experience managing equipment calibration, preventive maintenance, and equipment uptime in a lab setting.
- Experience designing and setting up test fixtures and data acquisition setups for complex electrical or electro-optical measurements.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain clean, traceable, and well-organized test data and documentation.
- Experience troubleshooting complex lab equipment and test setups to root cause.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with photovoltaic or other electro-optical characterization equipment, such as solar simulators, I-V curve tracers, or spectral response/QE systems.
- Experience developing measurement uncertainty budgets and calibration procedures, including reference standards, calibration chains, and drift monitoring.
- Experience training or mentoring other lab technicians/engineers on equipment and methods.
- Experience partnering directly with research scientists or PhD-level engineers to translate research needs into lab execution.
- Familiarity with environmental test methods (thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, radiation testing) in an aerospace or R&D context.
- Experience leading lab process improvement initiatives (tooling tracking, layout, documentation systems).
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.
Sr. Lab Engineer – Photovoltaic Test in Redmond employer: Amazon
At Amazon Corporate Services Pty Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Data Centre Engineering & Operations Technician, you'll benefit from extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your skills grow alongside our cutting-edge technology. Located in Australia, our facilities provide a supportive environment where you can thrive while contributing to the seamless operation of critical infrastructure.
