Program Lead - PNT, Amazon Leo

Amazon Leo is building a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. We are seeking an exceptional Program Lead to serve as the single-threaded technical owner for the delivery of a resilient Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).This is a high-visibility, high-impact role requiring deep technical leadership and strategic leadership across multiple analysis, software, and hardware teams within Amazon Leo. You will own the technical architecture and manage a program with contributions from all Amazon Leo elements including customer terminals, ground gateways, satellites, optical inter-satellite links and Amazon Leo Government.The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, operates with complete independence, and has a proven track record of delivering complex, cross-organizational technical projects that solve critical technical and business challenges. You will work directly with engineering leaders, product managers, regulatory teams, and senior leadership to drive technical clarity, architect solutions, make strategic trade-offs, and ensure successful delivery of this transformative capability for Amazon Leo.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 Own end-to-end resilient PNT system design, architecture, program plan, roadmap, and execution; make authoritative technical decisions and drive architecture trade-offs across hardware, software, and algorithm domains Lead technical design reviews, define system interfaces, and establish engineering standards; own delivery of software and hardware products, and overall capability for resilient PNT Manage program lifecycle from concept through systems engineering, design, build, integration & test, and continuous operations; apply hands-on technical judgment at every phase to resolve integration challenges and technical blockers Model excellence in technical program management practices including communications, planning, scheduling, critical path identification, risk management, and escalation; translate complex engineering trade-spaces into clear program decisions Manage cross-functional technical communications across engineering, product, business development, regulatory, and operations teams to ensure stakeholder alignment and technically informed decision-making Identify and tackle intrinsically hard engineering and systems problems with significant business impact, operating with complete autonomy and demonstrating high judgment in decisions with architectural and business implications Build consensus and align engineering teams across multiple VP organizations toward coherent technical strategies and simple, effective approaches; influence organizational priorities and system technology direction Create and optimize critical mechanisms to ensure long-term program success; establish clear, measurable technical and success criteria and drive data-driven decision-making grounded in engineering metrics and system performance indicators Proactively identify technical risks and opportunities in strategies and organizational structures; develop mitigation plans before risks become roadblocks; manage executive-level escalations with excellent technical and judgment Drive productive discussions with senior leadership to secure resources, negotiate priorities, and align on strategic direction; present program status and system architecture analyses, technical trade-offs, and recommendations to executive audiencesBasic qualifications- Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent, or experience in software development- 10+ years of technical program management experience in engineering-intensive roles, leading complex, cross-functional programs in technology, aerospace, satellite systems, or related technical domains; with a strong personal engineering background enabling hands-on technical contributions and architecture guidance- Demonstrated experience owning system architecture and managing programs spanning hardware, software, and algorithm development with multiple interdependent teams and technical disciplines; ability to review and contribute meaningfully to engineering design documents, architecture decision records, and technical specifications- Proven track record of defining and delivering technically complex strategic programs with broad cross-organizational or cross-regional business impact that solve significantly complex or endemic engineering problems- Experience operating with complete independence in highly ambiguous environments where technical direction, system boundaries, and business and program strategy are not yet defined- Deep technical expertise in system architectures, distributed satellite systems, navigation algorithms, clock synchronization, optical communications, ground infrastructure, and satellite constellation operations — at a level sufficient to personally drive technical decisions, author architecture documents, and evaluate engineering trade-offs- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present system architecture diagrams, engineering trade-off analyses, and complex technical information, trade-offs, and recommendations clearly to VP and SVP-level audiences- Experience influencing technical roadmaps, organizational priorities, securing resources, and negotiating with senior leadership without direct authorityPreferred qualification - Master's degree or advanced degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM field; prior hands-on engineering role (e.g., software engineer, systems engineer, RF/navigation engineer) before transitioning to technical program management is highly preferred- Experience with satellite systems, space operations, navigation systems (GPS/GNSS), or aerospace programs; direct experience writing software, running simulations, or performing systems analysis in these domains is a strong plus- Experience leading the technical development of programs involving Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies, inertial navigation, or related navigation systems- Advanced knowledge of optical communications, inter-satellite links, ground station infrastructure, or satellite constellation management; ability to engage at a deep technical level with subject-matter experts and independently assess design choices- Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification, or equivalent technical credentialing; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management certification- Experience working in fast-paced, rapidly growing organizations with evolving requirements and high degrees of technical complexity- Experience with regulatory compliance, interface control documents (ICDs), and system integration & test processes; ability to author or review ICDs and system-level test plans independentlyAmazon 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 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 .USA, WA, Redmond - 177,000.00 - 239,400.00 USD annually