RF Design Engineer, Amazon Leo

Amazon; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 151,200 - 204,600; Full time

Job summary

Amazon LEO is building a broadband constellation to deliver fast, affordable connectivity worldwide. As an RF Design Engineer, you will own ADC-to-antenna RF performance, working with RF, systems, antenna, software, and calibration teams to drive high-performance beams for space and ground segments.

You will split time between EM design tools, RF system analysis, and lab validation, designing antennas for satellites and customer terminals, including chamber and OTA testing across 30 GHz systems.

Qualifications

• Experience leading design, automation, deployment, and support of large-scale infrastructure.
• Proficiency in Python (or another modern language) and Linux experience.
• Experience with distributed systems and scalable architectures.
• Familiarity with RF design tools and lab validation workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design over-the-air link models and performance models using ITU/3GPP style analysis.
• Design and optimize antenna and array architectures to meet RF system goals.
• Own end-to-end RF performance from ADC/DAC through RF front-end to antenna radiation.
• Use EM/RF design tools (HFSS, CST, AWR) to simulate element and array performance.
• Collaborate with calibration/validation teams to define and execute calibration strategies.
• Define and maintain antenna specifications at module, aperture, and system levels.
• Support prototype builds, bring-up, and test campaigns including chamber testing and OTA validation.
• Provide design reports and test summaries to leadership and partners.

Skills

Python

Linux

Distributed systems

CI/CD

Tools

HFSS

CST

AWR

Job description

Amazon LEO is an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Its mission is to bring fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world. Amazon LEO will help close the digital divide by delivering fast, affordable broadband to a wide range of customers, including consumers, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in places without reliable connectivity.

As an RF Design Engineer working on LEO Phased Array and RF Front-Ends, you will design, integrate, and characterize antennas and arrays across multiple domains (phased arrays, reflectors, aperture antennas, coupling analysis, and other relevant RF areas). You will own "ADC-to-antenna” RF performance, collaborating with RF, systems, antenna, software, and calibration teams to deliver high-performance beams and links for both space and ground segments. You'll be working on 3GPP style systems from 30GHz.

You’ll split your time between EM design tools, RF system analysis, and lab validation, working on antennas that ship in both satellites and customer terminals.

Key job responsibilities

• Design over-the-air link models and system performance models using ITU/3GPP style analysis.
• Design and optimize antenna and array architectures (element selection, lattice, feeding networks, beam-forming strategies) to meet RF system goals.
• Own end-to-end RF performance from ADC/DAC through RF front-end to antenna radiation, working closely with RFIC, PA/LNA, and system teams.
• Use EM and RF design tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, AWR, or similar) to simulate element/array performance, mutual coupling, scan loss, and pattern characteristics.
• Collaborate with calibration and validation teams to define calibration strategies (array calibration, beam equalization, phase/amplitude error mitigation) and measure on-bench and in-chamber performance.
• Define and maintain antenna specifications and requirements at the module, aperture, and system level.
• Support prototype builds, bring-up, and test campaigns for active antennas, including chamber testing and over-the-air validation.
• Provide DFM and DFT feedback for antenna boards, modules, and test fixtures.
• Write design reports, test summaries, and present results to leadership and cross-functional partners.

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.

About The Team

You’ll be part of the Phased Array Design group within the Antenna organization. This group is responsible for the design, performance, and calibration of all antennas across payload and customer terminals, and owns the end-to-end RF performance of the systems that bring the network to life. You will work closely with RF Communications, Software, Antenna design, EMI/EMC, and Calibration and Validation teams to ensure our antennas meet performance, regulatory, and manufacturability requirements.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience leading the design, automation, deployment, and support of large-scale infrastructure
• Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Python, Ruby, Golang, Java, C++, C#, Rust
• Experience with Linux/Unix
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines build processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with distributed systems at scale

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

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, WA, Redmond - 151,200.00 - 204,600.00 USD annually

Company - Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC

Job ID: A3138434