5G NTN Payload Verification Architect, Amazon Leo Antenna Team

Amazon Leo is Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation initiative designed to bring fast, affordable broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. We are building a next-generation satellite system from the ground up — designing everything from the spacecraft and payload to the ground infrastructure and customer terminals. This is a rare opportunity to join a team that is shaping the future of global connectivity at scale.

We are looking for a 5G NTN Payload Verification Architect to join the Payload Architecture team in San Diego. You will own the D2D phased array verification strategy — the only role in the industry that bridges 5G NTN conformance verification with space-grade phased array qualification in a single position. You will work with the D2D Phased Array Architect to define what to verify, own the verification strategy tracing requirements through test plans, and work with teams across the program to build and execute those plans.

This role carries a dual-domain mandate. On the 5G NTN conformance side, you will own 5G NTN conformance verification adapted for satellite operations. On the phased array space qualification side, you will own the cascaded test hierarchy from component through system-level testing — including conducted characterization, panel RF and communication system performance, and OTA near-field scanning — as well as the full aerospace qualification campaign including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and radiation qualification per applicable space standards.

The role also owns terrestrial coexistence blocker testing for cellular band sharing, EPFD compliance boundary definition, production ATE design for constellation-scale manufacturing, D2D customer link verification to unmodified handsets, and on-orbit anomaly resolution. You will collaborate with the Vehicle and LRU integration and verification teams, Communication system, Regulatory, Silicon, Payload Architecture, Power Architecture, Thermal Design, Phased Array Calibration, Antenna Design, and Phased Array DSP & Digital Beamforming Architect.

This is a hands-on role — you will be in the lab, in the data, and on call when satellites are live. If you have experience with 3GPP conformance testing, phased array verification, or space-grade qualification, we want to hear from you.

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
• Work with the D2D Phased Array Architect to define what needs to be verified, how, and what constitutes pass or fail across the full test hierarchy
• Own the D2D verification strategy tracing from payload requirements through subsystem and component-level test plans
• Work with systems, HW design, antenna, silicon, and calibration teams to build verification plans covering the full operating envelope
• Define RF and communications system test methodology — transmit quality, receive sensitivity, spurious emissions, blocker rejection, and regulatory compliance
• Own 5G NTN conformance verification strategy adapted for satellite operations
• Define the conducted-to-OTA test cascade from component through system-level testing
• Own aerospace qualification campaigns: thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and radiation per applicable space standards
• Define terrestrial coexistence verification and EPFD compliance boundary definition
• Design production ATE infrastructure for constellation-scale manufacturing
• Support D2D customer link verification and on-orbit commissioning including launch health checks and beam validation
• Lead on-orbit anomaly resolution and fault isolation across digital, RF, and antenna domains
• Evaluate emerging test technologies for future generations — hands-on, on-call


A day in the life
A typical day starts with a check-in with the D2D Phased Array Architect — reviewing verification strategy, resolving open requirements, or updating test plans to reflect new architecture decisions. You might spend the morning reviewing NTN conformance test plans, then move to the lab to run RF measurements on a phased array panel. Afternoons often involve analyzing qualification data, optimizing a production ATE sequence for throughput, or supporting an on-orbit anomaly investigation by correlating telemetry with pre-launch test data. Every week looks a little different — but the work is always hands-on and consequential.

About the team
The Payload Architecture team is part of the Antenna organization at Amazon Leo. We are a small group of senior architects responsible for the phased array architecture across Amazon Leo’s satellite programs. We define the architecture, drive requirements, run trade studies, and make sure everything works from prototype through orbit. Our scope extends to customer link performance — working with systems and customer terminal teams to close end-to-end link budgets. We work closely with every engineering team on the payload and pride ourselves on being hands-on problem solvers.

Basic Qualifications

- Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent
- 7+ years of verification, preferably in communication systems experience
- Experience with RF measurement equipment, including: power meters, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes
- Experience in communication theory, OFDM, MIMO, Digital/Wireless Communication Systems or RF engineering
- 5+ years of RF and Network test equipment associated with SATCOM communications experience
- Experience in test setup automation using MATLAB, Python, or Pearl
- 5+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience
- Experience in 3GPP conformance testing or wireless system validation for cellular or satellite (NTN) networks
- Experience with phased array or antenna system testing, including conducted or over-the-air characterization

Preferred Qualifications

- PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics
- Experience with space-grade qualification testing including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, or radiation testing per applicable aerospace standards
- Experience bridging both telecom and aerospace domains — combining 3GPP standards fluency with satellite payload hardware qualification experience
- Experience with satellite-specific adaptations to wireless standards, including non-terrestrial network verification challenges
- Experience with OTA test system design for phased arrays or antenna systems, including near-field scanning or compact range test infrastructure
- Experience with production test infrastructure or ATE design for high-volume manufacturing of satellite or wireless hardware

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 - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually