Amazon Leo is building a next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver global cellular connectivity directly to consumer devices. The Direct-to-Device (D2D) program enables standard mobile handsets to connect to Amazon Leo satellites without any hardware modification, leveraging 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards. We are seeking a Distinguished Engineer to serve as the senior software technical leader for the D2D program, responsible for driving the end-to-end software architecture, development, and delivery of satellite-based cellular communication systems.
This role demands a rare combination of deep expertise in 3GPP standards, embedded systems engineering, real-time operating systems, radio access network (RAN) protocol stacks, and computer hardware architecture. The Distinguished Engineer will set the technical vision, mentor engineering teams, and make critical architectural decisions that shape the performance, reliability, and scalability of the D2D satellite communication system.
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
- Own the end-to-end software delivery for the D2D system, spanning satellite payload firmware, ground station software, and protocol stack implementations
- Build, mentor, and scale a world-class software engineering organization; attract and retain top talent across embedded systems, protocol development, and signal processing
- Drive architectural decisions across the full RAN protocol stack (RRC, CU, DU, RU) in alignment with 3GPP specifications
- Partner with systems engineers, hardware engineers, and network architects to ensure cohesive system design and integration
- Establish software development processes, coding standards, and engineering best practices across the D2D software organization
- Drive technical risk identification and mitigation strategies throughout the product development lifecycle
- Define comprehensive test strategies from unit testing through end-to-end system validation, including simulation environments and hardware-in-the-loop test beds
- Serve as a key technical voice on 3GPP NTN standards (Release 17+) and represent Amazon Leo in industry forums
- Make informed tradeoffs between bare-metal and RTOS-based deployments based on latency, throughput, power, and resource constraints
About the team
Join a team that is redefining global connectivity. Amazon Leo's Direct-to-Device program represents one of the most ambitious technical challenges in modern telecommunications—bringing cellular service to billions of people worldwide through a constellation of advanced LEO satellites. You will shape the technical direction of a program with global impact, working alongside world-class engineers across hardware, software, systems, and operations disciplines.
- 5+ years of engineering team management experience
- Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline
- 15+ years in wireless communication software development; 5+ years managing engineering teams and driving technical strategy
- Deep expertise in 3GPP LTE and 5G NR standards, with specific NTN and satellite-based RAN experience
- Extensive RAN protocol stack development experience (RRC, CU, DU, RU functional splits)
- Strong understanding of embedded systems, RTOS (VxWorks, QNX, FreeRTOS), and hardware-software co-design
- Track record of shipping production communication systems through full product lifecycle
- Demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and retain senior engineering talent
- Experience with satellite communication systems, LEO constellations, or D2D connectivity
- Contributions to 3GPP standards bodies (RAN working groups, NTN)
- Experience with radiation-tolerant computing and space-qualified software practices
- OFDM waveform design, adaptive modulation/coding, and signal processing optimization
- O-RAN, NFV, SDN architecture knowledge
- Formal safety/reliability standards experience (DO-178C, IEC 61508)
- Published research or patents in wireless communications or embedded systems
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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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, San Diego - 220,100.00 - 297,700.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Redmond - 220,100.00 - 297,700.00 USD annually