Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Amazon Leo Digital RF Systems

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Amazon Leo Digital RF Systems

Job ID: | Amazon Kuiper Manufacturing Enterprises LLC

Overview

Amazon Leo is Amazon’s Low Earth Orbit satellite network that delivers fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond existing networks. This role involves developing secure, mission‑critical software that powers our satellite constellation, enabling communications, autonomous operations, and reliable performance worldwide.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced embedded software engineer with strong security expertise to architect and develop mission‑critical, security‑hardened software for our satellite systems. You will work across hardware, software, and cybersecurity, creating firmware that controls satellite operations and protects against evolving threats.

Export Control Requirement

Due to applicable export control laws, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Lead secure software development for critical modules—including ASIC firmware, commanding systems, telemetry processing, power control, hardware interfaces, and autonomous capabilities—implementing security‑by‑design principles throughout the satellite's lifetime.
• Drive security architecture and threat modeling by identifying potential vulnerabilities, conducting security reviews, and designing defensive measures to protect satellite systems from cyber threats.
• Design and implement robust, security‑hardened software and firmware in Linux and RTOS environments, ensuring high reliability and security under resource constraints.
• Conduct and support penetration testing to validate security controls, identify weaknesses, and implement remediation strategies for embedded systems.
• Build secure hardware interfaces by writing software that communicates with devices and electronics using I2C, I3C, SPI, UART, USB, JTAG, and Ethernet, incorporating appropriate security controls and authentication mechanisms.
• Collaborate closely with hardware design teams, security architects, and customers to support secure custom silicon chip and board design through concept to integration.
• Champion security and reliability by following best practices in secure embedded software development—including secure coding standards, code reviews, and security testing—to meet demanding space operation requirements.
• Optimize for secure production by partnering with test engineers to integrate security validation into manufacturing and test environments.

About the Team

• Meaningful impact: Your code will operate in space, enabling critical communications and protecting vital infrastructure.
• Technical growth: Work with cutting‑edge technology at the intersection of ASIC/SOC, hardware, software, security, and space systems.
• Security leadership: Shape security practices and architecture for next‑generation satellite systems.
• Collaborative environment: Partner with world‑class hardware engineers, security architects, systems engineers, and domain experts.
• Innovation culture: Encourage creative problem‑solving and new approaches to complex security and engineering challenges.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software development experience (non‑internship).
• 5+ years of programming with at least one language.
• 7+ years of leading design or architecture of new and existing systems.
• Experience as a mentor, tech lead, or leading an engineering team.
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, Java, or Perl.
• Deep expertise in secure embedded firmware development for bare‑metal or RTOS‑based systems.
• Experience with debugging tools such as GDB for FPGA or prototype chips.
• Experience with security‑aware software design, including threat modeling, security reviews, and vulnerability assessment.
• Practical knowledge of penetration testing methodologies and tools for embedded systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in system‑level architecture and board‑level design.
• Background working with security‑aware bootloaders, secure boot chains, and trusted execution environments.
• Experience using cryptography libraries (mbedTLS, OpenSSL, PKCS#11) in secure applications.
• Knowledge of security standards and frameworks (e.g., Common Criteria, NIST guidelines, secure coding standards).
• Experience with hardware security modules (HSMs) or trusted platform modules (TPMs).
• Familiarity with secure communications protocols and encryption implementations.
• Knowledge of telecommunications or data communications systems security.
• Experience with security certifications or compliance requirements for aerospace/defense systems.

EEO Statement

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

Location & Salary

USA, CA, San Diego – $168,100.00 – $227,400.00 annually
USA, WA, Redmond – $168,100.00 – $227,400.00 annually

Benefits

Base salary range listed above. Your Amazon package will include sign‑on payments, restricted stock units (RSUs), and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave.