Sr. Device Software Engineer, Kuiper Government Solutions

Senior • On-site

$151,300 - $261,500/yr

Redmond, WA , +2

DESCRIPTION

Project Kuiper is Amazon’s initiative to launch a constellation of 3,236 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities globally. Join our mission to close the digital divide and connect people, businesses, and governments in places where reliable connectivity has been a challenge.

We are breaking new ground with every device we design, from custom silicon to secure software, to enable innovative satellite and ground systems. Be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of satellite communications technology to make global connectivity a reality.

As a Device Software Development Engineer on the Kuiper Government Solutions (KGS) team, you will design and develop embedded software for Kuiper’s satellite and ground systems. You’ll work on fault-tolerant, real-time platforms, collaborating closely with hardware, systems, and product teams to deliver secure, reliable, and high-performance solutions.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of space-based communication systems with minimal legacy constraints. Your work will directly support critical government initiatives, enabling secure and high-performance communication systems for U.S. and allied missions.

This role is based in Northridge, CA, or Redmond, WA, with U.S. relocation benefits. Onsite work is required 5 days a week.

Key job responsibilities
• Design, develop, and optimize embedded software for Kuiper’s satellite and ground terminal systems, focusing on fault-tolerant, real-time platforms.
• Leverage modern application frameworks for Embedded Linux and RTOS platforms to develop scalable, modular, and high-performance software.
• Implement and integrate software for data processing, device control, and networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP).
• Debug and resolve complex hardware-software integration issues using tools like logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless hardware-software interaction and system reliability.
• Mentor junior engineers, conduct design reviews, and uphold high software quality standards.

This position requires that the candidate selected be a U.S. Citizen in order to comply with U.S. government-imposed requirements related to the nature of the work and/or where it will be performed.

About the team
Kuiper Government Solutions (KGS) is a multidisciplinary team developing targeted and scalable solutions for custom satellite and ground applications. KGS Device Software focuses on embedded software solutions for custom products supporting U.S. and allied government customers. We collaborate closely with hardware and systems teams to deliver secure, high-performance solutions for mission-critical applications.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
- 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) or Master’s Degree (M.S.) in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field of study.
- 5+ years proven experience real-time (bare-metal or RTOS) embedded software development on resource constrained targets, including design, implementation, and debugging.
- Knowledge of bootloaders and Linux kernel internals (process scheduler, memory management, concurrency/synchronization, memory allocation, file systems) and networking subsystems architecture, including microcontroller coding
- Knowledge of low-level digital protocols, such as PCIe, Ethernet, SPI, and I2C
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Rust, Python, or other languages with a solid understanding of real-time operating systems and embedded software design principles
- 5+ years’ experience programming for ARM cores and familiarity with Synopsys ARC or RISC-V architectures.
- Algorithmic application development and optimization
- Familiarity with communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP) wireless technologies, and signal processing and software defined networks
- Experience with configuration management, version control systems (git), continuous integration (CI/CD), and software testing methodologies
- Testing software for performance and functionality based on requirement and ability to identify bottlenecks
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in kernel context and ability to work in a fast paced, collaborative environment.
- Excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts effectively within the team

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- 5+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
- Advanced degree, Masters (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in computer engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or related technical field with a strong foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of embedded systems and space technology.
- Space industry experience, with previous work on space systems, satellite communication, or other space projects
- Knowledge and familiarity with unique challenges of designing software for space environments, including radiation tolerance and mitigation, thermal constraints, and reliability considerations is highly valued
- Deep understanding of low-level programming languages and experience writing efficient, error resistant code that interacts closely with hardware components and peripherals
- Expertise in embedded systems architecture, memory management, and hardware software interaction with demonstrated ability to work with cross functional engineering disciplines
- Experience in customizing and optimizing real-time operating systems for specific space applications
- Familiarity with safety-critical software development standards such as DO-178C, and Software Development Standard for Space Systems TOR-2004(3909)-3537
- Knowledge of space communication protocols including MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire or CCSDS
- Expertise in simulations using non-flight hardware for prototyping and demonstrating early risk reduction including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments
- Prior experience in satellite communication, wireless networking, or similar fields
- Can review circuit board schematics, can use electronics lab instruments, such as an oscilloscope or logic analyzer for basic digital circuit debugging
- Expertise implementing embedded software for Radar, Electronic warfare or other space technologies
- Familiarity with space regulations standards and best practices including those from NASA or ESA
- Understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, especially in the context of space systems
- Experience in orbital dynamics, mission management, satellite commanding

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.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $151,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $261,500/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos in the cozy confines of his Seattle garage, Amazon.com, Inc. quickly evolved from a humble online bookstore to a colossal e-commerce powerhouse. Today, it offers an extensive range of products from DVDs and electronics to furniture and groceries. With a global footprint that spans continents—from Canada and the UK to Japan and Brazil—Amazon's presence is truly international. The company has not only diversified into various domains, including acquiring Twitch in 2014 and venturing into the film industry in 2015, but also introduced initiatives like the brand registry program to safeguard intellectual property. Despite the hurdles of labor relations and competitive practices, Amazon remains a dominant force in the global e-commerce landscape.