Phased Array RF Front End Architect

Job Title

Phased Array RF Front End Architect

Role Summary

Owner of the phased array RF front-end architecture for Amazon Leo payloads, spanning transmit and receive analog signal chains from antenna element to digital interface for both Direct-to-Device (cellular-band) and Broadband (Ka-band) programs. The role coordinates across antenna, silicon, DSP/beamforming, thermal, power, mechanical, and reliability teams to deliver space-qualified front-end designs.

Experience Level

Mid-level (Level - Mid-Career). The posting prefers candidates with 5+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance, or hands-on engineering experience; typical mid-career range is ~3–7 years.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include architecture definition, trade studies, verification, and hands-on lab support.

• Define and own phased array RF front-end architecture across D2D and Broadband payloads, from element to digital interface.
• Ensure RF front-end performance across beam steering angles (manage scan loss, impedance variation, amplitude/phase consistency).
• Specify T/R module architecture and make semiconductor process trade-offs for performance, integration, cost, and radiation tolerance.
• Co-optimize analog front-end and digital beamforming (PA linearity/efficiency with DPD/CFR, ADC interface, beam quality, sidelobes).
• Define radiation tolerance requirements and work with silicon teams to qualify parts.
• Flow down system-level requirements to component-level and validate via test and verification plans.
• Contribute to thermal and power architecture within space environment constraints.
• Evaluate emerging semiconductor processes and front-end technologies for future architecture roadmaps.
• Support production, on-orbit debug, and be available for hands-on lab or anomaly investigations.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, experience, and legal eligibility for work on export-controlled programs.

• Proven experience in phased array RF front-end design across cellular and Ka frequencies, including transmit and receive chains.
• Practical experience with RF measurement equipment: power meters, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes.
• Experience in wireless system design, system integration, and RF system analysis.
• Experience in component selection and evaluating component reliability for mission-critical hardware.
• Hands-on lab experience and comfort with on-call support for production and on-orbit issues.
• Ability to run architecture and semiconductor process trade studies and work with silicon vendors.
• Ability to collaborate across hardware, software, systems, and program teams and to produce verifiable requirements.
• Export control eligibility: must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

Education Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent; the posting also prefers a Master’s or PhD (electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics). Equivalent practical experience is acceptable where stated.

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.