3GPP NTN Systems Integration and Test Engineer, Amazon Leo

About the role

Amazon Leo is building a Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities globally. This role focuses on hands-on integration, validation, troubleshooting, and qualification of end-to-end satellite communications systems across space, ground, RF, modem, RAN, Core, transport, and cloud infrastructure. The work is lab-centered and system-focused, requiring the ability to use Linux, Python, protocol traces, packet captures, and automation to debug complex systems.

Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum due to applicable export control laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead 3GPP protocol validation for Release 17 NTN features across RAN, Core, IMS, mobility, bearer management, and service continuity.
• Define test strategies and pass/fail criteria for RRC, NAS, NGAP, XnAP, F1AP, E1AP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, GTP U, IMS, SIP, RTP, and VoNR procedures.
• Interpret 3GPP specifications and convert standards requirements into executable integration, regression, conformance, and interoperability test cases.
• Validate Open RAN behavior across CU, DU, RU, gNodeB, 5G Core, and IMS systems in lab, HIL, OTA, and end-to-end environments.
• Drive deep debug of protocol failures including registration, attach, PDU session setup, handover, cell reselection, bearer setup, QoS, IMS registration, and VoNR call setup.
• Analyze protocol logs, packet captures, vendor traces, modem traces, RAN traces, Core traces, and RF-correlated failures to identify root cause.
• Partner with architecture, standards, RAN, Core, RF, modem, software, payload, and operations teams to close standards compliance and interoperability gaps.
• Track industry evolution across Release 17, Release 18, NTN, Open RAN, IMS, VoNR, MOCN, MORAN, and Multi PLMN deployments.
• Produce clear test coverage maps, defect narratives, readiness summaries, and risk assessments for leadership and technical stakeholders.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or above.
• 5+ years of experience in LTE or 5G protocol validation, systems integration, conformance, interoperability, or protocol stack troubleshooting.
• Deep knowledge of 3GPP Release 17, with specific understanding of NTN behavior and satellite-related protocol impacts.
• Strong understanding of RRC, NAS, NGAP, F1AP, E1AP, XnAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, GTP U, SCTP, QoS, mobility, and bearer management.
• Experience with Open RAN architecture, including CU, DU, RU, gNodeB behavior, and disaggregated RAN integration.
• Experience with VoNR and IMS protocols, including registration, SIP signaling, RTP media, call setup, call release, and failure handling.
• Experience analyzing protocol logs and packet captures to determine root cause across RAN, Core, IMS, UE, modem, and network elements.
• Experience designing test plans, regression coverage, conformance validation, and interoperability validation in a lab environment.
• Linux proficiency and ability to work directly with test equipment, logs, scripts, and lab systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LEO, satellite communications, NTN test systems, or satellite-terrestrial network integration.
• Experience with 3GPP Release 18 NTN, emerging NTN work items, or standards body participation.
• Experience with MOCN, MORAN, Multi PLMN broadcast, PLMN selection, shared RAN, and carrier interoperability.
• Experience validating emergency services, roaming, slicing, IMS services, QoS, policy control, or carrier acceptance requirements.
• Experience with Keysight, Anritsu, Rohde and Schwarz, Amarisoft, Spirent, Viavi, or comparable protocol and conformance tools.
• Python scripting experience for protocol log parsing, automated test verdicts, or coverage analysis.
• Ability to mentor engineers who are strong in RF, networking, or lab execution but less experienced in 3GPP protocol detail.
• Experience building trace-based defect narratives that clearly separate symptoms, evidence, standards references, and suspected owner.

Pay

Base salary range:

• USA, TX, Austin: $136,000.00 - $184,000.00 USD annually
• USA, WA, Redmond: $136,000.00 - $184,000.00 USD annually

Additional compensation may include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance, and optional supplemental life plans)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health support
• Medical Advice Line
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Learn more about our benefits at Amazon Jobs Benefits.