Phased Array & RAN Validation Engineer, LEO Antenna Test Infrastructure

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 LEOs 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 products test metrics. The team is a pivotal point for a multitude of other teams and orgs our internal customers. And its highly multidisciplinary: SysDE SDE ME Metrology Robotics Antenna FPGA and Lab Ops all converge in the same room.

- Bachelors 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)

- 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.

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 for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt 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 WA Redmond - 159200.00 - 215300.00 USD annually