Project Kuiper is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. This is a unique opportunity to work in the development of a global broadband satellite communication system and make a difference in bridging the digital divide.

The Lead, Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – Government Services develops and aligns licensing strategies with business and service availability priorities, manages complex regulatory projects dealing with satellite and spectrum regulations, and identifies potential regulatory risks that may impact Kuiper’s ability to deploy services for our government customers throughout countries around the world. The candidate will work with engineering, business, legal, and policy professionals to execute licensing strategies, identify and support business opportunities, and maintain liaison with national, regional and international telecommunications organizations. He/she will shape regulations affecting non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) communications systems, the access to and use of Ka-band band and other frequencies for satellite services, and other relevant regulations, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have experience obtaining licenses for satellite systems, to include earth stations / gateway stations, user equipment, spectrum occupancy, and the provision of services to support the requirements of government customers. Additionally, he/she will be familiar with regulatory agencies and frameworks, and be able to assess and, if necessary, improve regulatory frameworks in order to optimize Kuiper services for government customers. The Lead, Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – Government Services will be responsible for educating regulators on satellite and spectrum regulations, telecommunications services, and other issues involved with deploying a global satellite broadband constellation. He/she will engage cross-functionally and collaborate with members of the International Regulatory team to advance objectives at the national, regional and international levels.

Key job responsibilities
• Develop and execute on the licensing strategies in countries throughout the world to support the requirements of government customers, in alignment with Kuiper technical, business, and customer objectives, and develop the corresponding budget projections for licensing, regulatory, spectrum and other fees.
• Secure and maintain the necessary licenses to enable Kuiper services to support the requirements of government customers, and ensure compliance with national regulations, deadlines, and regulatory/fee requirements.
• Enhance the customer experience by shaping national and regional policies and regulations affecting NGSO systems, the use of the 20/30 GHz band, and space safety, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Engage in national and regional telecommunications organizations, while maintaining liaison with regulators, relevant industry actors and trade associations in multiple countries.
• Identify potential regulatory risks that may impact Kuiper’s ability to deploy services to support the requirements of government customers, and identify strategies to mitigate those risks.

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.

A day in the life
In this role, you will be responsible for developing and executing on the licensing strategy for Kuiper to support the requirements of government customers throughout the world. In addition, you will shape national, regional and international regulations affecting NGSO communications systems, the access to and use of Ka-band band and other frequencies for satellite services, and other relevant regulations, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. You will enable and protect Kuiper’s use of radio frequency spectrum at home and abroad, defining and leading the regulatory agenda to allow Kuiper service. You will collaborate with trade associations, government agencies, multilateral organizations, and other operators to shape rules and regulations in the best interest of our customers, and work in close collaboration with Kuiper business, technical and operations teams to optimize for spectrum sharing and customer experience, as well as with Amazon’s Public Policy, Public Relations and Legal teams to enhance the overall regulatory strategy in priority countries. You will work closely with other regulatory country leads, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), and Kuiper teams to ensure alignment on a country and regional basis, anticipating bottlenecks, and communicating risks clearly to leaders. You will also escalate effectively, remove blockers, and will deliver results across the world.

You will report to the Head, Licensing & International Regulatory Affairs and work in close collaboration with other leaders and team members within the Regulatory team and across Kuiper to ensure timely service delivery at scale.

About the team
The Regulatory team enables and protects Kuiper’s use of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits worldwide, defining and leading the Project Kuiper regulatory agenda to benefit our customers. We operate globally, engaging with the ITU, regional/sub-regional regulatory organizations, regulatory authorities, and governments. We obtain the required ITU filings and licenses for Kuiper operations, coordinate spectrum, coordinate spectrum use with other satellite and terrestrial operators, and shape/promote space safety and sustainability. We are responsible for licensing of Kuiper facilities and services, and advocate for rules and regulations in the best interest of our customers at the national, regional and ITU levels, working with governments, trade associations, and operators. This team works with the design, operational, and business teams to promote alignment between business objectives, the Kuiper Program of Record, and regulatory requirements and delivery, and we partner with the Legal, Public Policy and Public Relations teams to execute the regulatory strategy.