Blue Origin

Senior RF Communications Engineer, Blue National Security (BNS)

Blue Origin$197K — $276K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area
  • 8+ years in avionics and communication systems development
  • Familiarity with communication systems design, including radios and antennas
  • Experience with EM simulations using tools like HFSS and CST
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in dynamic environments
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical teams

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical efforts for RF communications systems and mentor junior engineers
  • Architect mission-critical RF systems for real-time spacecraft operations
  • Ensure end-to-end system performance through detailed analyses
  • Design and execute comprehensive RF test campaigns to validate specifications
  • Drive the procurement strategy to ensure mission goals are met
  • Maintain system architecture and performance requirements for communications solutions
  • Coordinate interfaces across multiple platforms for seamless connectivity
  • Support hardware integration, testing, and operational phases

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance options available
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability benefits
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Stock options for all regular employees
  • Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, plus 14 holidays
  • Education Support Program for continued learning
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

As part of our RF Communications team, you'll have end-to-end ownership of next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations. This isn't a narrow role - your fingerprints will be on the full subsystem lifecycle, including specifications, procurement, AI&T execution, and mission support. We're looking for a sharp RF engineer with a foundation in satellite communications and systems engineering who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to lead.

Special Mentions:
  • Relocation provided
  • Top Secret clearance desired
  • Travel expected up to 25% of the time


Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • Technical lead for RF communications systems - mentor junior engineers, review technical products, sit on reviews, author systems documentation
  • Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems - from concept through checkout - enabling real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations
  • Own end-to-end system performance, including link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight
  • Design and execute RF test campaigns spanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability
  • Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting and selection through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets rigorous mission requirements
  • Define and maintain system architecture, including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation communications solutions
  • Coordinate critical interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH/payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity
  • Own configuration control and documentation, maintaining detailed functional/logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures that keep fast-moving programs on track
  • Be in the action - support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations to see your work fly


Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification
  • Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms
  • Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage
  • Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
  • Demonstrated leadership of technical teams with emphasis on mentoring junior engineers
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum


Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area
  • Experience performing satellite link budget simulations using mission design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK)
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems
  • Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
  • Proficiency in waveform design, algorithms development (including Matlab/Simulink simulations) or networking.
  • Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill


Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55

Other site ranges may differ

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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