System Architecture Lead, Direct-to-Device, Amazon Leo

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 system architecture lead with end-to-end experience across the direct-to-device (D2D) satellite and cellular ecosystem. This role owns the end-to-end technical architecture of the D2D service translating customer and business needs into a coherent system solution across core RAN satellite devices spectrum regulatory and service.

The ideal candidate has already architected real D2D NTN satellite-to-cellular or closely related systems and understands how architecture decisions in one domain affect the others. This is not a role focused on a single engineering discipline. We are looking for someone who can define the complete system drive cross-domain decisions and trade-offs and keep the solution technically coherent as requirements customer needs and subsystem designs evolve.

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 end-to-end D2D technical architecture and the technical plan of record.
Translate customer MNO and business needs into the system architecture working closely with Business Product and Solutions Architecture.
Drive cross-domain architecture decisions and trade-offs across core RAN satellite payload devices spectrum regulatory and service and document their rationale.
Assess technical feasibility of proposed solutions and support customer and MNO engagements so that commitments are clear achievable and aligned with system capabilities.
Partner with Systems Engineering to turn the architecture into requirements interfaces and acceptance criteria that Development can build and test against.
Maintain end-to-end technical coherence as requirements customer needs and subsystem designs evolve and resolve cross-domain conflicts between development teams.
Bring ecosystem requirements and findings (MNO OEM chipset) back into the architecture working with Telco Service Development.
Define the evolution path of the architecture including new features markets device categories and next-generation satellites.
Act as the subject matter expert for the end-to-end D2D architecture and represent the architecture with leadership customers partners and vendors.
Work effectively across geographically distributed international and multicultural engineering business and customer organizations.


- Bachelors degree in a related field
- 8 years of relevant professional experience in satellite or cellular systems including at least 3 years architecting Direct-to-Device (D2D) NTN or direct satellite-to-cellular systems.
- Demonstrated end-to-end knowledge of D2D architectures including satellite payload and ground segment RAN 5G core and commercial devices.
- Experience making and documenting cross-domain architecture decisions and trade-offs in complex systems involving multiple engineering teams.
- Working knowledge of 3GPP NTN standards mobility and interworking with terrestrial networks
- Experience working directly with mobile network operators device OEMs or chipset vendors on D2D solutions.

- Experience with satellite-based RAN architectures for NTN.
- Experience with voice over NR (VoNR/IMS) messaging and emergency services.
- Experience with device interoperability testing and certification programs.
- Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering teams vendors partners and leadership organizations.
- Experience with spectrum and regulatory aspects of satellite services (spectrum PFD and emission limits licensing).
- Experience with system budgets and analysis (link power capacity availability) for satellite systems.
- Experience translating business and commercial models into technical architecture.
- Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively across engineering teams business customers partners 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 for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt 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 TX Austin - 151200.00 - 204600.00 USD annually