Sr. RF Comms Systems Engineer, Amazon Leo

About the role

Amazon Leo is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low‑latency, high‑speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. As a Sr. RF Comms Systems Engineer, you will work with a wide variety of functional groups and will be deeply involved in system integration and test of next‑generation Amazon Leo satellites.

Responsibilities

• Lead bring‑up, integration, and debugging of advanced PHY/MAC and beamforming radio systems for a state‑of‑the‑art satellite communication system.
• Architect, document, and execute 3GPP‑based testing for satellite‑to‑ground networks.
• Work with vendors to define equipment requirements to achieve 3GPP conformance testing.
• Adapt test plans daily based on capabilities of hardware/software delivered by development teams.
• Collaborate across disciplines—including PHY algorithms, RF design, digital beamforming and antenna, MAC, and firmware teams—to ensure seamless integration and best‑in‑class wireless performance.
• Understand and apply Doppler pre‑ and post‑compensation techniques with CFO/SFO in LEO communications systems and test them in the laboratory environment for 3GPP.
• Trade link budgets and verify RF line‑up for payloads in RF and IF configurations.
• Characterize performance, analyze data, root‑cause system‑level issues, and ensure high product quality.
• Take responsibility for power, clock, RF, air, and network debugging in the lab.
• Develop and execute test‑bring‑up procedures using Linux, Python, Bash scripting, etc.
• Use wireless synchronization and signal generators/spectrum analyzers to verify time/frequency requirements.
• Apply knowledge of OFDM and MIMO‑based wireless systems across baseband and RF domains, with a solid foundation in communication theory and signal processing.
• Maintain lab setups, perform debugging with reference equipment, and script incremental hardware/software changes to assess payload effects via RF, IF, clock, and channel‑quality measurements.
• Work cross‑functionally with RF, ASIC, software, communications, testbed teams, and vendors to advance testing and integration.
• Participate in verification and integration on FPGA platforms.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of professional experience working in L1/L2 or beamforming.
• Experience with RF lab equipment, bring‑up, test, and integration activities.
• Experience with verification and integration on FPGA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD with emphasis in wireless communication systems.
• Proficiency with modeling in MATLAB and/or C/C++.
• Experience in test automation setup and scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or MATLAB.
• Broad knowledge of end‑to‑end network system architecture from wireless RF and physical layer up to application endpoints.
• 3GPP NTN and ORAN knowledge for conformance testing.
• Experience leading technical initiatives and delivering key results.
• Ability to work in a small team and exceed expectations.
• Background in wireless LTE, 5G/6G, RLC, PDCP, RRC, and RAN protocols.
• Knowledge of IP, UDP, TCP, HTTP protocols and analysis tools such as Wireshark.
• Familiarity with modern software development processes and tools including Agile, TDD, BDD, CI, and Git.
• Implementation experience with wireless synchronization and parameter sensing techniques (e.g., ranging/positioning) and low‑power design.
• Extensive experience with lab test equipment such as channel emulators, spectrum analyzers, and signal/network traffic generators.

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.

Pay

Base salary range: $137,300.00 – $185,700.00 USD annually (USA, TX, Austin; USA, WA, Redmond). Compensation includes sign‑on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription).
• Basic Life & AD&D insurance with 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 and parental leave.