Lead ASIC Modem Design Engineer, Satellite Communication

Job Title

Lead ASIC Modem Design Engineer, Satellite Communication

Role Summary

Lead the digital modem PHY design for satellite communication SoCs within Amazon's Kuiper/Leo initiative. Own specification, architecture, RTL implementation, verification integration, and implementation trade-offs to deliver first-time-right silicon that meets performance, power, and cost targets.

Experience Level

Senior level - approximately 7+ years of relevant digital logic design experience (DSP or communications systems preferred).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include system-to-silicon delivery of modem PHY subsystems and cross-team technical leadership.

• Translate wireless system specifications into microarchitecture and RTL implementations for modem PHY blocks.
• Define block-level specifications and architecture for modem subsystems.
• Develop RTL and drive first-pass silicon quality, meeting power and cost constraints.
• Create standalone verification testbenches to validate block functionality.
• Collaborate with system verification teams using UVM, SystemC, and DPI-C for system-level verification.
• Work with implementation teams to meet DFT, timing, and power targets.
• Perform trade-off analyses to balance customer experience, power, area, and cost.
• Mentor engineers and coordinate cross-functional delivery tasks as needed.

Requirements

Core technical and hands-on skills required to perform the role.

Must-have:

• 7+ years of digital logic design experience, preferably with DSP or communication systems.
• Experience implementing modem PHY or similar communication subsystems from spec to RTL.
• Hands-on experience with verification methodologies and creating testbenches (UVM familiarity expected).
• Experience with ASIC design toolflows (Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor or comparable tools).
• Expertise in low-power design techniques for advanced CMOS nodes and meeting power targets.
• Knowledge of wireless communication standards and PHY layer concepts (e.g., 5G NR, LTE, DVB-S2/S2X).
• Strong debugging, problem-solving, and analytical skills; experience writing assertions and exposure to formal verification.

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with Matlab for algorithm validation and system-level modeling.
• Experience with SystemC and DPI-C for system integration verification.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or a related technical field is listed as required or equivalent practical experience. Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical/Communications Engineering is preferred. The posting also accepts relevant industry experience in lieu of a degree.

About the Company

Company: Amazon

Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States

Amazon is a global leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, committed to delivering fast, reliable services across diverse sectors. The company's innovative technologies include AWS, Kindle, and Echo, as well as developing low Earth orbit satellite networks for improved internet connectivity worldwide.