Amazon is expanding its Project Kuiper satellite broadband network with the establishment of a logistics facility in Everett, Washington. In partnership with Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, Amazon is creating a satellite technician certificate program to prepare students for careers in aerospace assembly and manufacturing. The program will help meet the evolving needs of the space and satellite sectors in the area. Amazon’s goal with Project Kuiper is to build and launch over 3,000 satellites to provide high-speed internet access to millions of people worldwide. The company already employs over 1,400 people at various locations, including a satellite factory in Kirkland and a research and development facility in Redmond, Washington.
The new logistics facility in Everett will play a crucial role in supporting Project Kuiper by serving as the single point of delivery for all externally procured materials and goods for the project. This hub, set to come fully online next month, will bring about 200 skilled technician jobs to the Everett area. The partnership with Lake Washington Institute of Technology will help create a pipeline of future satellite technicians to meet the needs of the growing aerospace industry in the region. Amazon is also incorporating the satellite certification tracks in its Career Choice program, which offers education and skills training for warehouse employees.
Project Kuiper aims to establish a 3,232-satellite constellation to provide high-speed internet access from low Earth orbit. While the project is behind SpaceX’s Starlink network in terms of satellite deployment, Amazon is making progress towards launching its first production-grade satellites in the coming months. The program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers two certification tracks focusing on aerospace assembly specialist and aerospace manufacturing. Students will receive training in safety protocols, materials handling, electrical systems, and industry-standard practices.
The partnership with Lake Washington Institute of Technology involves collaboration with the Project Kuiper team to develop the program and coursework. The program will also include guest lecturers from the Project Kuiper team, as well as the donation of 150 tools for classroom use. Classes for the certification tracks will begin in July and are designed to be completed in two semesters. The hands-on lab training at the institute will provide students with the skills needed to work in the rapidly growing space industry. The coursework will cover a range of topics including emerging technologies and industry-standard practices to prepare students for careers as satellite technicians.
Amazon’s investment in Project Kuiper not only strengthens the region’s reputation as a hub for aerospace innovation but also creates valuable job opportunities for residents of Everett and the surrounding areas. The company plans to have enough satellites deployed by the end of 2024 to begin offering demonstrations to early enterprise customers. The satellite technician certificate program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology will help meet the demand for skilled technicians in the space and satellite sectors. With a focus on hands-on training and industry partnerships, the program aims to provide students with real-world experience in aerospace assembly and manufacturing to support the growth of Project Kuiper and the space industry as a whole.
