Manager, Satellite Production, Continuous Improvement, Leo

Position: Manager, Satellite Production, Continuous Improvement, Amazon Leo
This job is with Amazon, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking an experienced Continuous improvement Manager to establish and lead our ACES (Amazon Customer Excellence System) continuous improvement program within Amazon LEO's satellite manufacturing operations. This pivotal leadership role will build and implement the first ACES charter for satellite production, driving operational excellence and cultural transformation as we scale our manufacturing capabilities to deliver 3,236 satellites for Project Kuiper's mission of providing global broadband access.

As the founding manager of the LEO ACES team, you will build and lead a high-performing team responsible for implementing continuous improvement strategies across our satellite production operations. Your team will serve as the cornerstone for establishing a culture of operational excellence, driving data-driven improvements, and standardizing best practices in our manufacturing processes. This role combines technical leadership with change management, requiring someone who can both solve complex manufacturing challenges and inspire teams to embrace a continuous improvement mindset.

Working at the intersection of aerospace manufacturing and operational excellence, you will partner with cross-functional teams across hardware, software, manufacturing, quality, launch, and test organizations to deliver innovative solutions that increase production efficiency and quality. Your success in this role will be measured by your ability to build and scale the ACES program, drive measurable improvements in production metrics, and foster a sustainable culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

This role is based in Redmond, WA, and requires someone who embodies Amazon's Leadership Principles, particularly:
Hire and Develop the Best, Earn Trust, Ownership, Insist on High Standards, and Think Big. Join us in shaping the future of satellite manufacturing while contributing to Project Kuiper's mission of bringing reliable internet connectivity to underserved communities worldwide.

Note:

This position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to ITAR regulations.

Key job responsibilities
The Manager for LEO ACES Continuous Improvement role is critical to Kuiper's mission of establishing and maintaining world-class satellite production capabilities. This role will pioneer the implementation of ACES methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) within satellite production, focusing on reducing production costs, minimizing waste, and optimizing manufacturing processes across our constellation production line. The position requires a strategic leader who can build and lead a team dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency through data-driven solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in a highly technical environment.

A successful candidate should have proven experience leading impactful continuous improvement programs in advanced manufacturing settings, particularly in organizations transitioning from initial production to steady-state operations. You will be responsible for developing and implementing program charters that drive standardization and quality improvements across satellite production teams, while ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards and ITAR regulations.

Your expertise in managing complex technical projects and leading rapid investigation initiatives will be essential for optimizing our satellite manufacturing processes. The role requires collaboration with multiple engineering disciplines, including RF, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams, to create efficient mechanisms for improving Kuiper satellite production systems. You will establish DMAIC methodologies to track manufacturing performance, lead kaizen events, and implement lean manufacturing principles adapted specifically for satellite production.

The position involves building and leading a cross-functional team of continuous improvement specialists who will serve as change agents…