Sr. D2D Phased Array Antenna Architect, Amazon Leo Antenna Team

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 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 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. You will work alongside experienced architects and engineers, helping shape the D2D phased array architecture as it evolves through current and future satellite generations.

This role requires strong phased array architecture expertise spanning the RF front-end and digital backend — including high-speed serial interconnects, digital beamforming, transmit chain linearization techniques like DPD and CFR, and RF front-end design across multiple semiconductor process technologies. Knowledge of 5G NR and non-terrestrial network communications is important as you will work at the intersection of cellular standards and space-based phased array design.

You will define phased array requirements and work with the verification team to validate them through test. You will collaborate with systems, HW design, communication systems, regulatory, silicon, antenna, calibration, thermal, power, mechanical, reliability, and verification teams to ensure architecture and requirements are achievable within space environment constraints.

Beyond the current payload, you will evaluate emerging technologies and contribute to the architecture roadmap for future satellite generations. 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 cellular or satellite phased array systems, 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

• Translate high-level service and coverage requirements into D2D payload requirements — accounting for 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

A day in the life

You split your time between the current program and next generation. On any given day you might translate service requirements into payload requirements, run architecture trade studies, review DPD simulations, define signal integrity requirements for high-speed interconnects, or refine requirements based on verification needs. You contribute to customer link analysis and work across HW design, antenna, silicon, and calibration teams to realize the architecture. Some weeks you evaluate emerging technologies and define the roadmap for future satellites. Other days you are in the lab debugging a test result or on a call resolving an on‑orbit issue.

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. We are based in San Diego.

Basic Qualifications

• - Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent
• - Experience in wireless system design and architecture, system integration, and RF system analysis
• - Experience in developing link and system level simulators using MATLAB, Python, or C++
• - Experience with RF measurement equipment, including: 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

Preferred Qualifications

• - 5+ years of Space Vehicle/Satellite Operations, Space Communications or related industry experience
• - PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics
• - Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines (SW, RF, digital, thermal, power, mechanical, Reliability, Comsys) and Experience participating in or leading technical collaborations and creating alignment across diverse groups (e.g., hardware engineering, software engineering, program management)
• - Experience in 5G NR or non‑terrestrial network (NTN) communications standards
• - Experience with transmit chain linearization techniques such as DPD or CFR
• - Familiarity with phased array calibration, synchronization and over‑the‑air test methodology

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.

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, CA, San Diego - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually