Blue Origin

Sr. Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin$264K — $369K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 7+ years of RF antenna design experience or M.S. with 5+ years of experience.
  • Deep expertise in electromagnetic theory applied to phased array antenna design.
  • Proven leadership in the design of an antenna or phased array system.
  • Proficiency in major 3D electromagnetic simulation tools like HFSS or CST.
  • Understanding of beamforming architecture trade-offs (analog, digital, hybrid).
  • Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.

Responsibilities

  • Own the design of advanced phased array antennas for microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
  • Define system-level RF architectures and lead trade-offs in beamforming approaches.
  • Perform critical electromagnetic simulations to optimize antenna performance.
  • Collaborate with engineers across disciplines to define requirements for cohesive system design.
  • Oversee hardware lifecycle including fabrication and environmental qualification of antenna systems.
  • Mentor engineers and drive technical excellence through reviews and data analysis.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus life insurance options.
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability.
  • 401(k) with up to 5% company match and stock options available for all regular employees.
  • Generous paid time off, including four weeks per year and up to 14 paid holidays.
  • Education Support Program for furthering employee qualifications.
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

As a Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer, you will design the physical hardware that forms the backbone of our in-space communication network. You will be a foundational member of a new, in-house team tasked with creating the next generation of high-frequency phased array antennas for Blue Origin's space vehicles. This is a unique opportunity to own the antenna system design from the ground up, making critical architectural decisions that will directly impact our ability to communicate in deep space.

This role is for a technical leader who can translate mission needs into robust, space-qualified RF hardware. You will be the team's center of gravity for antenna theory, EM simulation, and array design. You will work side-by-side with our DSP Architect and system engineers to deliver the high-performance communication systems that will enable millions of people to live and work in space.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Own significant components of the end-to-end design of advanced phased array antennas, from radiating element to the full array, for microwave and millimeter-wave applications (X, Ku, Ka-bands).
  • Define system-level RF architectures, including leading trades between analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming approaches to meet platform constraints (SWaP, thermal, etc.).
  • Guide and perform critical electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize array performance, scan volume, and impedance matching.
  • Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system design.
  • Oversee the entire hardware lifecycle, guiding the fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal-vac, vibration, radiation) of antenna systems.
  • Mentor other engineers and drive technical excellence through rigorous design reviews and data analysis.


Minimum Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years of experience in RF antenna design or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna design.
  • Deep expertise in electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly for phased arrays.
  • Proven experience leading the design of an antenna or phased array system.
  • Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., HFSS, CST).
  • Understanding of the trade-offs between different beamforming architectures (analog, digital, hybrid).
  • Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electromagnetics or Antennas.
  • Track record of taking a complex antenna system from initial concept through to production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications.
  • Experience designing and developing high-frequency phased arrays at mm-Wave (e.g., Ka, V, E-band).
  • Experience with the design and development of associated hardware, such as feed networks, polarizers, or waveguides.
  • Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies and T/R module design considerations.
  • Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms.
  • Patents or publications in the field of antenna or phased array design.


Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $264,103.00 - $369,743.85WA applicants is $264,103.00 - $369,743.85

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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