System Development Engineer, Antenna Calibration, Amazon Leo

Leo is Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite broadband network. Its mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet to customers and communities around the world, and we’ve designed the system with the capacity, flexibility, and performance to serve a wide range of customers, from individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.

As an Antenna Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for key aspects of phased array antenna system design, simulation, measurement, calibration and optimization. You will be working in a collaborative environment with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver advanced high-performance phased array antenna systems. In this role, your responsibilities will include:
· Designing and implementing phased array calibration systems, signals, processing and algorithms
· Performance analysis and design trade-off studies of phased arrays
· End-to-end modeling, simulation and analysis of baseband/RF/antenna systems
· Lab measurement and validation of performance of antennas, and phased array systems and subsystems
· Working with antenna, modem, RF and Digital teams to simulate, measure and fine-tune radio designs

Export Control Requirement:
Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key job responsibilities
- Design and develop novel calibration algorithms and techniques for complex phased array antenna systems, including element-level amplitude and phase correction, to ensure optimal beam-forming performance across all operating conditions.
- Perform end-to-end over-the-air (OTA) validation of phased array antenna systems, including beam pattern verification, EIRP, EVM, and sensitivity measurements, ensuring compliance with system-level specifications.
- Support factory production at scale by developing robust, repeatable calibration and test processes, troubleshooting yield issues, and driving continuous improvement to maintain throughput and quality on the production floor.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including antenna design, ASIC, software, and systems engineering — to debug and root-cause issues impacting phased array antenna performance, driving resolution from identification through implementation.
- Design, maintain, and operate CICD (compact indoor chamber/direct) test chambers, including calibration schedules, reference device tracking, and measurement uncertainty documentation.
- Develop and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts for antenna characterization and calibration workflows, improving efficiency and repeatability of measurement processes.
- Generate and maintain technical reports, test procedures, and calibration documentation to support design reviews, certification, and production readiness milestones.
- Analyze antenna measurement data — including beam patterns, sidelobe levels, null depths, and polarization purity — to identify performance trends, anomalies, and root causes across development and production units.

Basic qualifications

- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Python, Ruby, Golang, Java, C++, C#, Rust
- Experience with Linux/Unix
- Experience with RF measurement equipment, including: power meters, spectrum analyzers, vector signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes
- Experience with coding/scripting in one or more languages (e.g., Python, C, C++, Java, Ruby, or PowerShell)
- BS in Electrical Engineering with relevant coursework in digital communication theory, digital signal processing, RF/Microwave Engineering, Antennas and Electromagnetic theory
- Experience in DSP techniques, digital modulation, radio architecture, line-up analysis, RF system design
- Experience with simulation tools such as SystemVue, ADS or LabView

Preferred qualifications

- Experience with CI/CD pipelines build processes
- Knowledge of multiple access systems including OFDMA, TDMA, and CDMA
- Knowledge of methods for statistical inference (e.g. regression, experimental design, significance testing)
- MS in Electrical Engineering with 3+ years of work experience or PhD with 2+ years of experience
- Experience working with phased arrays, calibration and antenna measurement
- Experience with one of the mainstream antenna simulation tools (CST/HFSS)

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 - 99,100.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually