RF Payload Engineer, Systems & Test, Amazon Leo

Socket.dev; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Amazon Leo is building a high‑volume satellite internet constellation. As a Payload Engineer you will test, verify, and troubleshoot payloads across the fleet, working with software, hardware, and mission operations teams to drive reliable on‑orbit performance.

You will develop runbooks, automate repetitive tasks, and analyze test results to reduce downtime. The role requires a 6+ year RF/satellite background, cross‑team coordination, and proficiency with scripting and monitoring tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related with 6+ years RF/satellite experience.
• Strong cross-functional coordination across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience with automation and operational tooling.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep expertise across payload RF/comm hardware, software, and constellation operations to identify systemic issues, drive root-cause analysis, and coordinate fleet-wide resolutions and optimizations.
• Define and maintain payload operational processes, procedures, and runbooks, including on-station commissioning flows, exit criteria, and external dependencies
• Identify and drive automation initiatives to reduce manual operational burden, improve response times, and scale the constellation.
• Review and interpret test results, troubleshoot issues, perform root-cause analysis, and develop corrective actions for test failures and in-orbit anomalies
• Support payload system-level integration, test, and verification, from hands-on lab work to field testing and support
• Collaborate across diverse technical teams such as flight software, cloud software, modem, and mission operations to optimize RF and network operations

Skills

RF hardware

Cross-functional coordination

Automation

Python scripting

Dashboard development

AWS Services

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Python

Bash

Grafana

SQL

Job description

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.

As a Payload Engineer, you will be an integral part of the team that tests, verifies, and troubleshoots the Leo production constellation. You will work closely with colleagues throughout Amazon Leo's wide-ranging, inter-disciplinary team to support in-orbit payload operations across all mission phases and will serve as the bridge between payload software development teams, testing and mission operations.

You will be on the frontline identifying, deep-diving, and driving resolution for payload issues across the constellation, including RF hardware, software, and networking issues. You will define, create, and maintain payload operational processes and procedures; coordinate cross-team dependencies across software, hardware, networking, and mission operations teams; drive automation to reduce manual operational burden; and define key operational metrics and reporting to provide real-time visibility into payload health and performance.

You will work closely with payload integration & test, payload software, and mission operations teams to ensure seamless transitions from development to on-orbit operations. You must be flexible, responsive, and able to succeed in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.

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

• Develop deep expertise across payload RF/comm hardware, software, and constellation operations to identify systemic issues, drive root-cause analysis, and coordinate fleet-wide resolutions and optimizations
• Define and maintain payload operational processes, procedures, and runbooks, including on-station commissioning flows, exit criteria, and external dependencies
• Identify and drive automation initiatives to reduce manual operational burden, improve response times, and enable the team to scale efficiently as the constellation grows
• Review and interpret test results, troubleshoot issues, perform root-cause analysis, and develop corrective actions for test failures and in-orbit anomalies
• Support payload system-level integration, test, and verification, from hands-on integration in the lab to field testing and support
• Support in-orbit payload operations from test-like-you-fly verification on the ground to troubleshooting issues for on-going constellation payload operations
• Collaborate across diverse technical teams such as flight software, cloud software, modem, and mission operations to optimize system-level RF and network operations

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with 6+ years of RF, satellite or aerospace industry experience
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functionally, as this role requires extensive cross-team collaboration over multi-disciplinary groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline with RF, satellite or aerospace industry experience
• Experience testing satellite payload RF hardware or related subsystems; mission operations, or payload in-orbit testing
• Experience developing or maintaining operational runbooks, procedures, or standard operating processes
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex on-orbit anomalies
• Proficiency with scripting/automation (Python, Bash, or similar) for operational tooling
• Experience with dashboard development, Grafana/Quicksight/SQL or similar, or similar monitoring systems
• Experience with satellite constellation operations at scale (fleet management, automation, monitoring)
• Experience working with AWS Services

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 - 136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually