Software Development Manager– (Payload SW), STAR (System Test Automation and Regression)

About the role

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network delivering fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. Behind every satellite in our constellation is a payload - the communication system that makes connectivity possible. Before a single satellite reaches orbit, its payload software must be validated, stressed, and proven through rigorous automated testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, hire, and develop a team of software development engineers building test automation for payload software.
• Set technical direction and own the roadmap for payload test automation—decide what to build, what to defer, and how to sequence investments for maximum impact.
• Drive operational excellence for nightly regression runs: own pass rate metrics, defect escape rates, and cycle time improvements.
• Partner with payload software, systems engineering, RF, and operations teams to align test automation priorities with program milestones and launch schedules.
• Remove obstacles and make resourcing tradeoffs that keep the team focused on highest-value work.
• Establish engineering best practices for the team: coding standards, code reviews, design documentation, and operational runbooks.
• Own hiring bar and talent strategy—build a pipeline of candidates, conduct interviews, and make hiring decisions that strengthen the team.
• Develop engineers through coaching, stretch assignments, and clear career growth paths. Manage performance and deliver direct feedback.
• Drive architecture decisions for test frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and data pipelines in collaboration with senior engineers on the team.
• Represent the team's work and roadmap to senior leadership. Communicate status, risks, and tradeoffs clearly.
• Collaborate with internal and external customers to define and implement system architectures for integrated test venues.
• Identify automation opportunities that reduce manual testing effort and accelerate release cycles.
• Build mechanisms for tracking and improving test coverage, reliability, and operational health.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Software Engineer, Software Developer, or related occupational experience
• 3+ years of providing technical leadership and project management for all aspects of the software development lifecycle experience
• Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field
• Knowledge of engineering practices and patterns for the full software/hardware/networks development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, certification, and livesite operations
• Experience partnering with product or program management teams
• 3+ years of designing or architecting (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
• Experience building test automation frameworks and tools
• 5+ years of engineering team management experience, including hiring, developing, and managing performance of software engineers