Amazon

Principal SW Sys Architect, Prime Air - Office of the Chief Engineer

Amazon • $200K — $270K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of professional software development experience
  • Expertise in object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms
  • Experience with large-scale system design in distributed environments
  • Strong understanding of certification standards such as DO-178C and DO-254
  • Proven ability to lead technical architecture discussions

Responsibilities

  • Define interface specifications and ensure compliance with DO-178C, DO-254, and FAA standards
  • Lead architectural trade studies to balance power, weight, thermal, latency, and safety
  • Establish rapid prototyping strategies for future drone development
  • Support development of a technology roadmap for next-gen embedded platforms
  • Conduct system-level design reviews and lead key technical documentation
  • Drive alignment on embedded architecture standards across multiple teams
  • Mentor engineers and SDMs to enhance embedded systems engineering expertise

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
  • 401(k) matching contributions
  • Paid time off and parental leave
  • Flexible spending accounts and adoption reimbursement
  • Mental health support and employee assistance programs
Full Job Description
Prime Air is seeking a Principal SW Systems Architect with deep expertise in embedded systems to drive the architectural vision for our autonomous drone delivery platforms. This role is central to two critical mission areas: supporting the Block 30 system of systems design and supporting next-generation drone prototyping and development.

You will define and evolve the compute, sensor, and embedded architectures that underpin Prime Air's current and future delivery drone programs, working at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and flight software to deliver safe, certifiable, and scalable autonomous systems. This is a unique opportunity to work on one of the most ambitious and technically challenging programs at Amazon.

Key job responsibilities

Block 30 - System of Systems Design

- Define interface specifications, data flows, and communication architectures, author ICDs and system design specs, and ensure designs meet DO-178C, DO-254, and FAA certification requirements throughout the Block 30 lifecycle

- Lead architectural trade studies balancing power, weight, thermal, latency, and safety constraints, partnering with GNC, Perception, Flight Software, AMOS, PADDC, and Flight Test teams to support end-to-end mission requirements

Next-Generation Drone Prototyping & Development

- Define rapid prototyping strategies and establish reusable embedded platform patterns and reference architectures that accelerate development across future drone programs

- Support technology roadmap decisions for next-gen embedded platforms and build forward-looking embedded technology roadmaps tied to Prime Air's multi-year product and certification strategy

- Collaborate with external partners, semiconductor vendors, and research institutions to integrate embedded technologies into Prime Air's pipeline

Cross-Functional Technical Leadership

- Lead system-level design reviews and trade studies, and author key technical strategy documents, ADRs, and ICDs that shape organizational direction

- Drive alignment across Drone, BOSS, HAWK, and Simulation teams on embedded architecture standards and integration strategies

- Mentor senior engineers and SDMs, raising the embedded systems engineering bar across the organization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- 10+ years of non-internship professional software development experience

- Knowledge of object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience designing and building large-scale systems in a multi-tiered, distributed environment (Service Oriented Architecture)

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 - 200,100.00 - 270,600.00 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.
Learn more about Amazon
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Industry
Net Income
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Founded
1994
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