Telco 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 telco systems engineering lead to oversee everything the direct-to-device (D2D) service delivers to mobile network operators (MNOs). This role turns the Amazon Leo end-to-end solution into a deployable cellular service within the global telco ecosystem: MNO integration, device and chipset interoperability, carrier profiles and service configuration, and service quality.

The ideal candidate has worked on real D2D, NTN, satellite-to-cellular, or closely related services, or has led MNO-facing technical integration for new network services. We are looking for someone who understands how MNOs, device OEMs, and chipset vendors work, can define what the service must deliver to each of them, and can bring their requirements and findings back into the architecture and development 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

• Lead the evaluation, design, and delivery of solutions for complex interdisciplinary system problems, including defining system-level use cases, interfaces, and multi-system interactions where the technical strategy may not yet be established.
• Conduct and review trade space studies that balance performance, schedule, cost, risk, and scalability, making cross-functional trade-offs across mechanical, electrical, software, and data domains.
• Derive and refine system requirements, acceptance criteria, and performance specifications through rigorous requirements engineering, identifying gaps and escalating incomplete designs at the sub-system and system level.
• Collaborate across technical and non-technical teams to integrate designs, facilitate communication, and ensure system architecture decisions account for reliability, regulatory compliance, security, and operational readiness.
• Leverage generative AI tools and cloud computing platforms where appropriate to augment productivity, streamline system analysis, and support test-guided development practices throughout the engineering lifecycle.

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 8+ years of professional experience in cellular networks or services, including at least 3 years in the Direct-to-Device (D2D) ecosystem, NTN, or direct satellite-to-cellular connectivity.
• Demonstrated experience leading MNO-facing technical integration of network services.
• Working knowledge of 5G core, IMS voice, interconnect with MNO networks, and carrier configuration.
• Experience working with device OEMs and chipset vendors on interoperability and certification.
• Experience defining service KPIs and SLAs with partners.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with Apple and Android carrier configuration and certification processes.
• Experience with MNO First Office Application (FOA) or launch of a new network service.
• Experience working with MNOs in several countries.
• 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