Amazon

GNC Sr. System Development Engineer, Prime Air

Amazon$151K — $204K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in systems and requirements engineering with embedded systems in C/C++
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering fields like Electrical or Systems Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience in developing software requirements and architecture documentation for safety-critical environments
  • Direct experience with DO-178C at DAL C or higher, including lifecycle artifact creation
  • Proficiency in programming with modern languages such as Python, C++, or Java
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and build processes
  • Demonstrated ability to develop requirements-based test cases and procedures.

Responsibilities

  • Own the technical architecture of the GNC software requirements and verification lifecycle
  • Lead the development of High-Level and Low-Level Requirements for GNC software
  • Oversee software architecture documentation to meet DO-178C objectives
  • Develop verification evidence for requirements-based testing, ensuring compliance with DO-178C DAL C
  • Create software tools for simulation and test automation in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++
  • Identify and eliminate requirements verification risks proactively
  • Communicate requirements and verification status to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • 401(k) matching program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid time off and parental leave
  • Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage
  • Mental Health Support and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Full Job Description
Amazon Prime Air is seeking a Senior Systems Development Engineer to serve as the technical lead for DO-178C Requirements and Verification Engineering on the DroneGuidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) team. In this role, you will own the architecture of the requirements and verification lifecycle - defining the standards, processes, and tooling that govern how HLRs, LLRs, software architecture documents, ICDs, and verification evidence are developed across the team.The ideal candidate is a seasoned software developer who has crossed over into systems and requirements engineering - you've built real embedded systems in C/C++ and now apply that depth to defining and verifying what those systems must do. You will also lead the development of software tools for simulation, test automation, and analysis, and serve as the primary technical interface between the requirements/verification function and theSDE implementation team, the DER, and certification authorities. You will operate with high autonomy, own the technical vision for your domain, and are expected to make the entire team more capable through your technical leadership, mentorship, and the standards you establish.

Key job responsibilities
• Own the technical architecture of the requirements and verification lifecycle for GNC software, defining the standards, templates, and processes for HLR development, LLR development, software architecture documentation, ICD authoring, and verification evidence generation in compliance with DO-178C DAL C objectives
• Lead development of High-Level Requirements (HLRs) derived from system-level requirements
• Lead development of Low-Level Requirements (LLRs), providing the detailed software design specifications that directly guide SW implementation
• Own software architecture documentation for GNC software components, defining component structure, data flows, state machines, scheduling, and interface specifications that satisfy DO-178C software design objectives
• Lead development of verification evidence including test cases and test procedures for requirements-based testing at HLR and LLR levels, ensuring all DO-178C DAL C verification objectives are satisfied and coverage is demonstrable
• Lead development of software tools in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ to support simulation, test automation, coverage analysis, and verification reporting
• Proactively identify and resolve requirements and verification risks across the software lifecycle, escalating to leadership with clear mitigation plans before issues become certification blockers
• Communicate requirements and verification status clearly to senior leadership, the DER, and cross-functional stakeholders

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience leading the design, automation, deployment, and support of large-scale infrastructure

- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as Python, Ruby, Golang, Java, C++, C#, Rust

- Experience with CI/CD pipelines build processes

- Bachelor's degree or above in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related fields

- 3+ years of direct experience developing software requirements (HLRs and LLRs), software architecture documentation, in a safety-critical or regulated engineering environment

- Demonstrated experience developing requirements-based test cases and test procedures, including traceability from requirements through test evidence, in a structured lifecycle environment

- 3+ years of direct experience with DO-178C at DAL C or higher, including authoring or reviewing lifecycle artifacts (HLRs, LLRs, test cases, test procedures, ICDs, architecture documents)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline

- Experience owning the requirements and verification lifecycle for a DO-178C program at DAL C, including participation in SOI-2 (Development) and SOI-3 (Verification/Test) audits as the technical representative for requirements and verification artifacts

- Experience with model-based design (Simulink/Stateflow) for requirements capture, simulation, or qualified code generation

- Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, GNC algorithms, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

- Familiarity with ARP4754A system-level development processes and the interface between system safety assessment and software requirements

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, Seattle - 151,200.00 - 204,600.00 USD annually

About Amazon

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Amazon Careers

Joining Amazon presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a vibrant team pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth in the global marketplace. As a leader in e-commerce, technology, and logistics, Amazon offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Work You’ll Do At Amazon, every day is an opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in technology and business to redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re interested in software development, marketing, human resources, or customer service, Amazon has a position waiting for you. Transform the way the world shops and innovates with our diverse and inclusive team. Amazon is not just a company; it’s a community where you can drive real change and contribute to projects impacting millions globally. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Amazon is the perfect place to enhance your leadership and innovation skills. Our culture encourages pushing the envelope and imagining the unimaginable. Here, you will lead projects that challenge the status quo and define new industry standards. Work with a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our leadership is focused on harnessing the collective power of unique perspectives to foster growth and innovation. Explore Amazon’s Employment Benefits Amazon’s commitment to its employees extends beyond just career growth. We offer competitive benefits, including health care, parental leave, and diversity training, ensuring that our team not only excels professionally but also enjoys well-being and security. Internship and Networking Opportunities Start your career with an Amazon internship and gain hands-on experience that matters. Our internships provide a gateway to full-time employment and an opportunity to network with professionals across various sectors of the company. Future-Proof Your Career With Amazon, your career path is filled with numerous opportunities for advancement. Our learning and development programs are designed to nurture your professional growth and keep you at the forefront of industry trends. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities at Amazon that match your skills and interests. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Amazon. Amazon is more than just a company—it’s a platform for building a promising future. Whether you’re starting or looking to advance your career, Amazon offers the resources, support, and network you need to succeed. Join us, and be a part of our continuing mission to be Earth's most customer-centric company.
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