From Amazon's posting. “We” and “our” refer to the employer.
Amazon Leo is an initiative to launch a constellation of LEO satellites that will provide broadband connectivity to underserved communities around the world. We are developing a satellite-to-mobile network to deliver ubiquitous cellular connectivity through the Kuiper constellation, partnering with mobile network operators globally to provide direct-to-cell service and extend coverage to billions of existing cellular devices.
About the Role
As a RAN Validation & Phased Array Antenna Test Engineer, you will own the end-to-end validation of our satellite-based gNB across all O-RAN protocol layers — from the O-RU physical layer through the O-DU L2 stack and O-CU higher layers — and integrate that validation with phased array antenna beam pattern testing to deliver comprehensive system-level verification.
Although Amazon LEO's communication system typically relies on sat-com concepts and test methods (DVT, ATP, and QTP test campaigns and cycles), we look to the 3GPP industry standards and O-RAN testing practices to adopt those learnings and build upon them.
You will bridge the gap between traditional telecom RAN testing methodologies and aerospace verification processes, designing test campaigns that validate not only RF and antenna performance, but also protocol conformance, interoperability, and end-to-end data plane integrity across the full gNB stack in a satellite 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
Validate the 4G/5G RAN protocol stack for our satellite-based gNB across all O-RAN layers (O-RU, O-DU, O-CU), including functional, performance, interoperability, and regression testing
Integrate phased array antenna beam pattern characterization (near-field/far-field OTA) with gNB protocol-level testing to validate beam steering and beam management under realistic orbital conditions
Correlate beam pattern measurements with RAN KPIs alongside antenna Responsible Engineers
Perform Tx/Rx conformance testing per 3GPP 38-141, adapted for NTN-specific waveforms, timing advance, Doppler pre-compensation, and HARQ relaxation
Develop end-to-end system validation procedures exercising the full signal chain from UE attach through data transfer
Adapt RAN validation campaigns to aerospace DVT, QTP, and ATP frameworks with full requirements traceability
Analyze UE and gNB logs to debug and root-cause issues at PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and RRC layers; collaborate with developers to drive fixes
Validate O-RAN fronthaul (Split 7-2x) interface conformance including C/U/S/M-plane functionality
Operate signalling testers (R&S CMX500, Keysight UXM) for protocol conformance and interoperability testing in NTN scenarios
Build tools to analyze RAN performance and optimize gNB KPIs (throughput, latency, BLER, spectral efficiency)
Develop automated test frameworks and maintain RAN lab infrastructure
Drive instrumentation strategy for wireless tests across Payload and CT products
About the team
The Amazon LEO Antenna Test Infrastructure team provides the test systems and techniques to verify Payload, Customer Terminal, and full satellite vehicle hardware, integrates the test automation, and connects the dots between Responsible Engineers and their product's test metrics. The team is a pivotal point for a multitude of other teams and orgs, our internal customers. And it's highly multidisciplinary: SysDE, SDE, ME, Metrology, Robotics, Antenna, FPGA, and Lab Ops all converge in the same room.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in RAN validation, wireless system testing, or 5G/LTE protocol testing
Experience with eNB/gNB and/or modem validation, including developing, executing, and managing LTE/5G-NR test cases
Experience with 3GPP 5G NR protocol stack with hands-on experience debugging issues at the PHY, MAC, and RRC layers
3+ years of experience with O-RAN architecture components (O-CU, O-DU, O-RU) and interfaces (F1, E1, E2, Open Fronthaul)
Experience with RF Theory and Microwave Circuit fundamentals, including how to interpret results from VNA, TDR and VSA and operation of bench top RF instrumentation
Experience with RF test instrumentation including signalling testers (callbox) such as R&S CMX500, CMW500, Keysight UXM, or Anritsu MT8000A
Experience in Python for test automation and data analysis, along with experience in Linux and code repositories (Git)
Experience with UE log analysis tools (QXDM, XCAL, XCAP, or equivalent) and protocol analyzers (Wireshark)
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications, or Telecommunications
Experience with phased array antenna testing: OTA measurements, beam pattern characterization, active antenna system validation, near field
Experience with 3GPP 5G NTN standards (Rel-17/18), including NR-NTN timing relationships, ephemeris-based mobility, and feeder/service link architectures
2+ years of lab and/or field experience in new product introduction or product certification
Experience with O-RAN conformance and interoperability testing per O-RAN Alliance WG4/WG5 specifications
Knowledge of 3GPP 38-141 (5G NR base station conformance) and RF test parameters such as EVM, ACLR, sensitivity, dynamic range, and noise figure
Experience adapting telecom test methodologies to aerospace verification processes (DVT, QTP, ATP)
Strong understanding of RF theory, antenna KPIs, frequency planning, and SatCom link budgets
Experience with RAN parameter configuration, optimization, and performance analysis
Familiarity with O-RAN fronthaul Split 7-2x IQ data formats, eCPRI transport, and PTP synchronization
Experience with near-field spherical scanning, robotic antenna measurement systems, or advanced RF optics for antenna characterization
Experience with 5G NR channel models and fading simulators, particularly NTN channel models with LEO Doppler profiles
In-depth knowledge of 3GPP specifications and R17+ RAN features
Strong skills in debugging and performance optimization; exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals
Equal Opportunity
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, WA, Redmond - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually
About this listing
LAYIQ is an independent job-discovery service. This listing does not imply a partnership with or endorsement by the employer. Review the original posting for current details and availability.
