RF Systems Engineering Lead, Direct-to-Device, Amazon Leo
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 20, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 16, 2026. Amazon scores B on the Alion truth index.
Amazon LEO is building a Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation designed to provide connectivity to customers around the world.
We are looking for an experienced RF systems engineering lead with hands-on experience in direct-to-device (D2D) satellite and cellular systems. This role owns the RF performance of the service link between the satellite and standard commercial devices, from link budgets and RF requirements to lab, chamber, and over-the-air validation.
The ideal candidate has already worked on real D2D, NTN, satellite-to-cellular, or closely related systems and understands the RF characteristics of connecting satellites directly to commercial phones and devices. We are looking for someone who can lead the RF work across the system, set technical direction, and work effectively with satellite, RAN, device, and partner teams.
The successful candidate will combine broad cellular and service knowledge with strong customer and partner skills, strong ownership, and the ability to lead in a fast-moving, international 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
- Own the RF system performance of the D2D service link, including link budgets, uplink and downlink margins, interference, and coverage across elevation angles and device types.
- Define RF system requirements and allocate them across the satellite payload, phased array and beamforming, ground segment, and devices.
- Lead RF characterization and validation of the payload, phased array, and beamforming, including EIRP, G/T, sidelobes, out-of-band emissions, and adjacent-channel and adjacent-beam interference.
- Define and lead RF test plans in the lab, RF chambers, and over the air, from conductive and radiated tests to on-orbit measurements.
- Analyze device RF behavior on commercial phones and modules, including antenna performance, power classes, sensitivity, and coexistence with GNSS and Wi-Fi.
- Provide the RF design inputs and measurements (EIRP, out-of-band emissions, sidelobes, interference) that the Regulatory and Compliance team uses to demonstrate compliance, and design the RF system to meet the emission limits.
- Develop and improve RF measurement methods, calibration procedures, tools, and automation that scale across devices, satellites, and test locations.
- Act as the subject matter expert for RF systems across the satellite, ground, and devices.
Basic qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- 8+ years of professional RF engineering experience, including at least 3 years in the Direct-to-Device (D2D) ecosystem, NTN, or direct satellite-to-cellular connectivity.
- Demonstrated experience owning RF link budgets, RF requirements, interference analysis, and RF characterization for satellite or cellular systems.
- Experience with RF test equipment and methods (signal generators and analyzers, network analyzers, channel emulators, anechoic chambers, over-the-air measurements).
- Working knowledge of 3GPP NR or LTE physical layer and RF requirements, including NTN.
- Experience working with commercial devices or chipsets in support of satellite or D2D services.
- Experience leading technical work across multiple engineering teams or partners.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with phased-array antennas and digital beamforming.
- Experience with mobile satellite service spectrum and the associated regulatory and coexistence requirements.
- Experience with RF test automation and data analysis tools.
- Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering teams, technology partners, customers, and leadership organizations.
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, TX, Austin - 151,200.00 - 204,600.00 USD annually