D2D Phased-Array Architect — Space-to-Smartphone Link

Socket.dev; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 159,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Leo is seeking a D2D Phased Array Architect to join the Payload Architecture team in San Diego. You will be a key technical contributor to the architecture of our Direct-to-Device satellite payload — a cellular-band phased array system designed to deliver connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones from space.

This hands-on role spans RF front-end and digital backend, 5G NR and NTN, tests, and collaboration with multiple engineering teams to ensure space-environment requirements are

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience in wireless system design and RF system analysis.
• Experience in developing link and system-level simulators using MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Experience with RF measurement equipment: power meters, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes.
• 7+ years of experience designing 3GPP-based wireless communication systems for terrestrial or satellite networks.
• Experience in phased array design principles, including beamforming, beam steering, and antenna system integration.

Responsibilities

• Translate high-level service and coverage requirements into D2D payload requirements — thermal, power, mechanical, reliability, and mass constraints.
• Propose and own the D2D phased array architecture spanning the full signal chain from antenna element through RF front-end through digital beamforming backend to modem interface.
• Work with systems, HW design, antenna, silicon, and calibration teams to realize the architecture.
• Contribute to customer link performance — working with systems and customer terminal teams to meet end-to-end link requirements.
• Define phased array requirements that flow from system-level needs down to subsystem and component specifications.
• Work with the verification team to develop test plans that validate those requirements.
• Define signal integrity requirements for high-speed serial interconnects based on SerDes technology selection, and review analysis performed by the SI team.
• Support RF front-end and DPD/CFR architecture trade studies across multiple semiconductor process technologies.
• Collaborate with communication systems and regulatory teams to translate 5G NR and NTN standards into phased array requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to inform the next generation architecture roadmap.
• Support production and on-orbit debug — this role is hands-on and on-call.

Skills

Wireless system design

RF system analysis

Link/system simulators

RF measurement equipment

Phased array design

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Amazon Leo is seeking a D2D Phased Array Architect to join the Payload Architecture team in San Diego. You will be a key technical contributor to the architecture of our Direct-to-Device satellite payload — a cellular-band phased array system designed to deliver connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones from space.

This hands-on role spans RF front-end and digital backend, 5G NR and NTN, tests, and collaboration with multiple engineering teams to ensure space-environment requirements are