Senior Software Engineer - Embedded Networking, Payload Network Software Team
- US citizenship
How this pay compares
This posting states $193k–$262k a year. Open software engineer jobs in California post a median of $179k a year, the middle half $143k–$213k, across 494 jobs that state their pay, so this one is above the middle half of what they post.
About the job
Amazon Leo is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. In this position, you will be a valued member of payload network team designing and developing network stack (routing, forwarding, control, data and distribution planes) for an end-to-end system of satellites, interchanges, ground gateways & customer terminals.
We are looking for a highly experienced technical leader to design and develop Amazon Leo’s network OS. The candidate needs to have strong experience with Layer 2/3 routing protocols, interactions with FPGA forwarding planes, working on dataplane implementations and troubleshooting across both embedded and linux netdev and kernel systems
The candidate needs to be comfortable working with EE teams, programmable network hardware and be able to lead the definition, implementation, and troubleshooting of proprietary network protocols and behaviors
Key job responsibilities
- Take responsibility for designing and delivering a modern, flexible, high throughput, low latency data distribution network protocol architecture spanning space and ground segments.
- Lead and implement custom routing and Layer 2/3 control and data distribution protocols that incorporate mission critical network security, quality of service and dynamic communications infrastructures for best-in-class network services that delight our customers.
- Develop flexible and cost-effective inter-networking solutions in support of connecting and peering with other public and private networks.
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.
A day in the life
As a Senior software engineer you will be responsible for leading the design of embedded software used in the Project Leo products. You will work in a collaborative environment with teams inside and outside of Amazon. You will mentor a team of software engineers on best practices while you guide your software designs from requirements gathering through mass production. You will need to be flexible and responsive to high priority issues.
Basic qualifications
- 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
- 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
Preferred qualifications
- 10+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- Experience in embedded development in C/C++
- Master's degree or above
- Experience in Linux and Networking protocols, or experience demonstrating software engineering skills in a previous intership, work experience, coding competitions, or publications and experience managing full application stacks from the OS up through custom applications
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, Sunnyvale - 193,300.00 - 261,500.00 USD annually
From Amazon Leo's job posting, checked 12 Nov 2026. Requirements, and whether the role is still open, are settled on the employer's own page.
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About Amazon Leo
Amazon's satellite internet constellation, formerly Project Kuiper: satellites, launches, ground stations and the terminals customers use.
Pay on its listings: 92.9% of its open jobs state their pay
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Amazon's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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