Blue Origin

Senior Phased-Array Antenna Design Engineer

Blue Origin$197K — $276K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 7+ years or M.S. with 5+ years in RF antenna design.
  • Experience with phased-array applications in microwave and mmWave design.
  • Strong grasp of electromagnetic theory crucial to phased-array antenna design.
  • Proven leadership in the full design process from concept to validation.
  • Proficient in 3D electromagnetic simulation tools like TICRA, HFSS, or CST.
  • Knowledge of analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming trade-offs.
  • Familiarity with antenna measurement and testing techniques.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of complex antenna systems for Q-, V-, and E-band applications.
  • Conduct electromagnetic simulations to refine antenna performance and inform design choices.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure cohesive system requirements.
  • Oversee prototype fabrication and perform RF testing across various environments.
  • Manage the entire antenna hardware lifecycle from concept through environmental qualification.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability benefits.
  • 401(k) plan with up to 5% company match.
  • Stock options available for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
  • Generous paid time off, including four weeks per year and up to 14 paid holidays.
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

We are seeking a Senior Phased-Array Antenna Design Engineer. You will design the physical hardware that forms the backbone of our in-space communications network. As a foundational member of a new in-house team, you will help create the next generation of high-frequency antennas for Blue Origin's TeraWave global network. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to antenna system design from the ground up.

You will lead the design, analysis, simulation, testing, and integration of high-performance antenna systems for our next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. In this role, you will own the resolution of complex technical challenges related to reflector geometries, feeds, RF performance, and phased-array architectures, ensuring reliable, high-throughput connectivity for users worldwide.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead the design and development of antenna systems, including reflectors, feeds, radiating elements, and sub-reflectors for Q-, V-, and E-band applications.
  • Own electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools such as HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize antenna performance and drive key design decisions.
  • Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system architecture.
  • Lead prototype fabrication, assembly, and RF testing activities, including near-field, far-field, and environmental testing.
  • Own the full antenna hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, and radiation testing).
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design analyses, test reports, requirements, and design review materials.


Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering and 7+ years of experience in RF antenna design, or an M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field and 5+ years of experience in RF antenna design.
  • Experience designing antenna elements and antenna-in-package solutions for microwave and mmWave phased-array applications.
  • Solid understanding of electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly phased arrays.
  • Proven experience leading the design and development of antennas and associated hardware from concept through validation.
  • Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., TICRA, HFSS, or CST).
  • Understanding of the trade-offs among analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming architectures.
  • Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.


Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electromagnetics or Antennas.
  • Proven track record of taking a complex antenna system from initial concept through production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications.
  • Experience designing and developing high-frequency antennas operating in the mmWave spectrum, including Q-, V-, and E-bands.
  • Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies and T/R module design considerations.
  • Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms.
  • Experience with aerospace, defense, or wireless communications systems.
  • An active top secret clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance.


Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.


About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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