Chief of Staff, VP of Hardware Development, Amazon LEO

Description

Amazon LEO is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband network connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.

The Hardware Development organization at Amazon Leo is responsible for the engineering and delivery of current and next-generation connectivity constellations and ground systems. Our teams span five global locations and execute across both commercial and government programs, covering broadband LEO satellite communications over Ka-Band, Q/V-Band, and E-Band frequencies.

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

The Chief of Staff to the VP of Hardware Development is a high-impact, highly visible role at the center of Amazon Leo's hardware engineering organization. This individual will serve as a force multiplier for the VP, enabling effective leadership across a geographically distributed organization executing complex, multi-disciplinary hardware programs.

The Chief of Staff will take on delegated responsibilities across program management, team coordination, operating planning, and cross-functional execution. This role requires a technically credible, operationally excellent leader who thrives in ambiguous environments and can drive accountability across senior engineering teams.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted extension of the VP, taking ownership of delegated workstreams, follow-ups, and action items across the hardware development organization

• Oversee and coordinate multiple concurrent hardware development programs — both commercial and government — related to broadband LEO satellite communications over Ka-Band, Q/V-Band, and E-Band; ensure programs are on schedule, within scope, and aligned to organizational priorities

• Facilitate alignment and communication across teams operating in five different geographic locations, ensuring consistent execution and visibility into program status

• Lead the drafting and coordination of annual and multi-year Operating Plans (OPs), working closely with the VP and functional leaders to scope initiatives, define resource requirements, and establish measurable goals

• Develop and maintain detailed project scopes and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) using tools such as Smartsheet or MS Project; ensure projects are properly resourced and milestones are clearly defined

• Assist the VP in organizational design, headcount planning, and team-building activities as the hardware development organization scales

• Hold staff and program leads accountable for commitments and deliverables; proactively identify risks, escalate blockers, and drive resolution

• Bridge hardware and software engineering teams to ensure integrated program execution; facilitate communication between engineering, operations, and business stakeholders

• Maintain high-quality documentation of program status, decisions, risks, and action items; prepare executive briefings, program reviews, and leadership communications on behalf of the VP

• Travel is mostly regional, and is expected to be 10-15%

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

• 7+ years of technical program management experience

• Experience scoping and managing hardware engineering programs, including the development of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) using Smartsheet, MS Project, or equivalent tools

• Experience in avionics or space hardware qualification processes and flows, including design verification, environmental testing, and flight certification

• Experience operating independently in ambiguous, fast-paced environments with minimal direction

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with broadband LEO satellite constellations, including system architecture, payload design, and ground segment integration

• Experience collaborating across hardware and software engineering disciplines in a systems-level development environment

• Understanding of 3GPP Release 17 standards, 5G/6G systems, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) specifications

• Background in one or more of the following technical domains: Silicon/ASIC development flow; RF hardware development (transceivers, amplifiers, phased array systems); Modem hardware development (Ka-Band, Q/V-Band, or E-Band systems)

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 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, CA, San Diego - 177,000.00 - 239,400.00 USD annually

USA, CA, Sunnyvale - 203,500.00 - 275,300.00 USD annually

USA, WA, Redmond - 177,000.00 - 239,400.00 USD annually