Director, Embedded Software Engineering, Amazon Leo

DescriptionThe Director of Embedded Software Engineering will lead mission-critical embedded software development for Amazon Leo's satellite bus systems, ensuring our satellite constellation meets aggressive reliability, security, and performance targets from manufacturing through end-of-life operations.This role owns all embedded software development and systems testing for satellite spacecraft systems - including flight software, real-time operating systems, avionics, and on-orbit software validation. You will architect the software that sits on the satellite, manage the end-to-end software stack to bring up the satellite, and lead comprehensive system testing to ensure spacecraft readiness for launch and on-orbit operations.This is a highly technical leadership role requiring hands-on embedded software architecture expertise combined with the ability to build and scale high-performing engineering organizations. You will work in constrained hardware environments where computing resources (processing power, memory, power consumption) are severely limited. A satellite has 600+ unique processors - it's like having its own compact data center in space - requiring sophisticated embedded software solutions to coordinate this complexity.Key job responsibilitiesAs a group leader, you will anticipate bottlenecks, provide escalation management, anticipate and make tradeoffs, and balance the business needs versus technical constraints. The ability to take large, complex projects and break them down into manageable pieces, develop functional specifications, then deliver them in a successful and timely manner is expected. Maturity, judgment, negotiation skills, ability to influence, analytical talent and leadership are essential to success in this role.Embedded Software Architecture & Development:Define and implement end-to-end embedded software architecture for satellite bus systemsLead development of real-time operating system (RTOS) implementations for spacecraft control, including scheduling algorithms and embedded design patternsArchitect Linux OS solutions for satellite systemsDrive hardware bring-up processes: boot, hardware verification, and comprehensive testingDesign and implement control systems, redundancy management, and health check softwareDevelop and oversee software for custom ASICs and FPGAs used in spacecraft systemsArchitect solutions for complex application synchronization (e.g., global time clock syncing)Address avionics systems challenges unique to spacecraft operationsSatellite Bus Software & Systems Testing* Lead software development for satellite bus systems, including:o Flight software and spacecraft controlo Attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)o Power management and distributiono Thermal control systemso Command and data handlingo Fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR)o Onboard autonomy and health monitoringOwn systems test strategy and execution for satellite systems, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation frameworksLead on-orbit software testing and validation for operational satellitesEstablish multi-test environments and continuous test/deployment pipelinesDrive software quality from prototype satellites to production at scaleTechnical Leadership & CollaborationProvide close partnership with Hardware Engineering teams throughout the development lifecycle - from component design through integration and launchCreate documentation for worldwide regulatory bodiesWork closely with research teams to evaluate and simulate system-level performanceProvide technical leadership while meeting aggressive project schedulesDrive operational excellence and optimize system performance (e.g., battery usage, resource management)Team Building & Organizational LeadershipScale the embedded software engineering organization from current state to production needsHire and develop exceptional embedded software engineers and leadersManage multiple engineering teams as a leader of leaders (100+ people)Foster a culture of innovation, speed, and technical excellence consistent with a "new space" mindsetDevelop talent pipeline for specialized embedded systems expertiseBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM disciplineUS Citizenship, Permanent Resident (Green Card), or Political Asylum status requiredMin 10+ years of experience as a manager of managers leading multiple engineering teamsProven track record building and scaling engineering organizations (70+ people)Demonstrated ability to grow teams from scratch and scale to production operationsExperience managing directors, principal engineers, and senior technical leadersTechnical ExperienceMin 10+ years of embedded software design and development for mission-critical systemsHands-on experience with embedded software architecture and implementation - must be comfortable conducting architectural reviews and discussing technical implementations directly with engineersStrong Unix/Linux and systems development skillsProven experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) architecture and implementationDeep understanding of embedded software design patterns and best practicesExperience with hardware-software integration in constrained environmentsTrack record taking projects from scoping requirements to successful launchSoftware Development Methodology"Build quickly" mindset - test on the ground and anticipate how it will work in spaceProven ability to balance speed with reliability in aerospace-grade environmentsExperience with rapid iteration and continuous test/deployment pipelinesPreferred QualificationsAerospace & Satellite Systems ExperienceHands-on experience with aerospace and avionics systems and techniques for high reliability/robust designExperience leading satellite bus software development - flight software, attitude control, power management, spacecraft systemsOn-orbit software testing and validation experience for operational satellites ("testing SW on satellites")Experience with space-qualified software development and certification processesUnderstanding of radiation-tolerant computing and fault-tolerant system designFamiliarity with spacecraft subsystem integration and testingExperience working on subsystems and subcomponents (not just system integration)Experience with laser/optical inter-satellite link (OISL) software development is a strong differentiatorEmbedded Systems ExpertiseExperience developing software for custom ASICs and FPGAsDeep knowledge of scheduling algorithms for real-time systemsExpertise in embedded control systems design and implementationExperience with safety-critical software development standardsKnowledge of hardware acceleration techniques for embedded systemsFamiliarity with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation frameworks for spacecraft validationTechnical Tools & PlatformsProficiency with C/C++, ADA (primary languages for flight software)Experience with Python, Matlab for simulation and analysisFamiliarity with DOORS, JAMA or similar requirements management toolsExperience with AWS cloud environments for ground systems integrationKnowledge of version control, CI/CD, and automated testing frameworksIndustry ExperienceSubstantial space industry experience (5+ years preferred)10+ years managing products, budgets, and justifying resource needs to senior leadersBackground in fast-paced "new space" environments strongly preferred over traditional aerospace10+ years managing products, budgets, and justifying resource needs to senior leaders and finance partnersAmazon 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 - 264,100.00 - 350,000.00 USD annually