Senior Manager, 5G RAN – Core Systems Software Architecture

Amazon Leo is building the world's most advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the globe. As part of this mission, we are seeking a Senior Manager to lead the design, development, and lab integration of real-time communications software enabling robust, standards-compliant connectivity between gNodeB platforms and Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) environments.

This role requires deep technical mastery of 3GPP control-plane and data-plane protocols, extensive experience with NGC and NGU interfaces, and the ability to architect, partition, and guide the implementation of complex software systems. Equally important, this leader will build, develop, and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and career growth.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years experience developing interfaces to 5G Core networks, a strong understanding of RRC signaling, Multi-PLMN broadcast configuration, and PLMN operations, as well as practical expertise with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and physical integration of RAN and transport systems in a lab environment. This Senior Manager will play a critical leadership role in hiring, mentoring, and developing engineers across multiple levels while driving execution of complex technical programs.


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
Technical Leadership & Architecture
• Architect and design the full software stack enabling real-time control-plane and data-plane communication between gNodeB and MOCN environments in support of Amazon Leo's satellite-terrestrial integration objectives.
• Define software partitioning, module boundaries, and interface specifications for NGC, NGU, RRC, and Multi-PLMN broadcast components.
• Lead development of 3GPP-compliant protocol layers, ensuring deterministic behavior, low latency, and high reliability for satellite-based connectivity.
• Oversee integration of transport technologies, including MPLS and segment routing, into the RAN–Core connectivity architecture.
• Drive troubleshooting and performance optimization across NGC, NGU, and RRC layers.
• Author technical specifications, architecture documents, and interface control documents (ICDs) for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with 3GPP releases, industry trends, and evolving MOCN deployment models to guide long-term product strategy aligned with Amazon Leo's roadmap.

Lab Integration & Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
• Lead lab activities including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test framework development, physical interface validation, and system-level integration testing.
• Develop and validate HIL test frameworks ensuring accurate modeling of physical interfaces, fronthaul/backhaul connectivity, and multi-operator core interactions.
• Oversee lab infrastructure planning, equipment procurement, and test environment configuration to support rapid prototyping and validation cycles.
• Drive lab-based integration of RAN, transport, and core network components, ensuring end-to-end system alignment and standards compliance.
• Collaborate with RF, RAN, and Core engineering teams in the lab to validate satellite-terrestrial network interoperability.

Team Building & People Development
• Build and scale a high-performing software engineering team through strategic hiring, including conducting phone screens, on-site interviews, and bar raiser activities.
• Develop individual growth plans for each engineer, identifying technical and leadership development opportunities aligned with career aspirations.
• Mentor engineers at all levels, providing regular coaching on technical depth, system design thinking, and Amazon's Leadership Principles.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning through technical brown bags, design reviews, code reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Identify and develop future technical leaders within the team, creating pathways for promotion and increased scope.
• Conduct regular 1:1s focused on career development, skill gap analysis, and stretch assignments that accelerate engineer growth.
• Create an inclusive team environment that encourages innovation, calculated risk-taking, and learning from failure.
• Drive organizational health metrics including retention, engagement, and internal mobility.

Program Execution & Amazon Leadership
• Own the technical roadmap and execution plan, driving delivery across multiple workstreams with high standards and operational excellence.
• Operate with a bias for action while maintaining the highest bar for quality and safety in satellite communications systems.
• Write and present technical documents (6-pagers, PR/FAQs, design documents) to senior leadership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, systems, operations, and program management teams across Amazon Leo.
• Demonstrate Ownership by treating the team's mission as your own, and Earn Trust through transparent communication and consistent delivery.
- 5+ years of people management, managing engineers experience
- 10+ years of experience developing software for 4G/5G Core interfaces, RAN–Core integration, or cellular protocol stacks.
- Deep expertise in 3GPP NGC (control plane) and NGU (user plane) protocols.
- Strong understanding of RRC signaling, RAN procedures, and Multi-PLMN broadcast configuration.
- Proven experience architecting real-time communications protocol stacks with deterministic timing requirements.
- Experience with gNodeB integration in multi-operator or shared-RAN environments (MOCN, MORAN, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of PLMN operations, network slicing concepts, and multi-operator resource sharing.
- Expertise with MPLS, segment routing, and transport-network engineering for RAN backhaul.
- Demonstrated experience working in lab environments, including Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, physical interface modeling, and test automation.
- Proven track record of building engineering teams from the ground up, including defining team structure, hiring plans, and development frameworks.
- Experience mentoring and coaching engineers, with measurable outcomes in promotions, skill development, and retention.
- Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. - Experience with O-RAN architectures, F1/E1 interfaces, or distributed RAN deployments.
- Familiarity with SDN controllers, network orchestration, or cloud-native 5G Core implementations.
- Background in C/C++, Rust, or real-time embedded systems.
- Experience with network emulation tools, traffic generators, or protocol analyzers in a lab setting.
- Knowledge of security requirements for multi-operator deployments, including authentication and isolation mechanisms.
- Experience with satellite communications systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or LEO constellation architectures.
- Familiarity with Amazon's internal tools and processes (e.g., hiring loops, promotion processes, performance management).
- Experience developing engineers across multiple job families (software, systems, test) simultaneously.
- Track record of creating technical training programs or engineering development curricula.
- Experience managing distributed or remote engineering teams across multiple time zones.

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.

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, CA, San Diego - 220,100.00 - 297,700.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 220,100.00 - 297,700.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Redmond - 220,100.00 - 297,700.00 USD annually