Sr. Phased Array & RAN Validation Engineer, LEO Antenna Test Infrastructure

Description

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
- Domestic travel as needed to work with partner teams (approx. 15% per year)

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

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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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.