Cellular Systems Engineering 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 cellular systems engineering lead with end-to-end experience across the radio access network (RAN), the 5G core, and commercial devices for direct-to-device (D2D) services. This role covers the complete cellular side of the service, everything except the satellite itself, and connects it into one working system.

The ideal candidate has worked on real D2D, NTN, satellite-to-cellular, or closely related systems, with deep RAN expertise, solid 5G core knowledge, and hands-on device experience. We are looking for someone who understands how RAN, core, and devices behave together end to end, can work directly with RAN, core, and chipset and device vendors, and can find and resolve issues that cross those boundaries.

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 cellular system view of the D2D service across RAN, 5G core, and devices, including requirements, interfaces, and end-to-end behavior.
• Define and review RAN system requirements for NTN operation, including scheduling, HARQ, timing advance, mobility, and access control.
• Define and review 5G core requirements and interfaces (including interworking with terrestrial networks, QoS and policy, and charging), and their interaction with the RAN.
• Own device-side system requirements and behavior, including 3GPP NTN feature support, UE requirements, mobility between terrestrial and satellite networks, and device-side connection management.
• Work directly with RAN, core, chipset, and device vendors to resolve end-to-end issues, from protocol analysis to root cause and fix.
• Support end-to-end integration and interoperability activities across RAN, core, and devices, in the lab, in RF chambers, and over the air.
• Analyze end-to-end call flows and performance (attach, registration, sessions, handover, voice, messaging, data) and translate findings into requirements and design recommendations.
• Track 3GPP NTN standards evolution and assess its impact on the RAN, core, and device roadmap.
• Act as the subject matter expert for RAN, core, and device systems, and work closely with System Architecture, Systems Engineering, Integration and Test, and Telco Service Development.
• Work effectively across geographically distributed, international and multicultural engineering and partner organizations.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in cellular systems, including at least 3 years in the Direct-to-Device (D2D) ecosystem, NTN, or direct satellite-to-cellular connectivity.
• Deep experience with 4G or 5G RAN systems, protocols, and procedures (L1 to L3).
• Solid working knowledge of the 5G core architecture and interfaces, including interworking with terrestrial networks
• Experience with commercial devices or chipsets, including device logs and analytics tools, in support of cellular or D2D services.
• Working knowledge of 3GPP NTN standards
• Experience resolving end-to-end issues with RAN, core, and device vendors.

Preferred qualifications

• 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.

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