Senior RF Systems Engineer

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! 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. The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing on-orbit mobility. As a Sr. RF Systems Engineer within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority across a portfolio of civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs. Working closely with the Chief Communications Architect, you will lead the development of spacecraft communications architectures — driving strategy from concept through system-level requirements definition and flow-down to spacecraft development teams. This is a high-impact, highly visible role at the intersection of mission engineering and cutting-edge RF communications technology, where your expertise will directly shape the future of how spacecraft communicate across Earth orbit, cislunar space, and beyond. We are looking for someone to apply their deep technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and passion for space to positively impact our mission of Millions of People Living and Working in Space for the Benefit of Earth. Passion for our mission and vision is required Special Mentions This position is based out of Seattle, WA or any of Blue Origin's major locations Relocation assistance is available for candidates who qualify Travel expectation: less than 25% Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Partner with the Chief Communications Architect to lead the development of end-to-end RF communications system architectures for spacecraft across civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs Serve as a senior technical resource on RF communications topics, providing guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers across the organization Develop, own, and maintain RF link budgets for space-to-ground and crosslink communications across a wide range of mission profiles and orbital regimes Define, develop, and lead the flow-down of system-level RF specifications to spacecraft development teams for design, integration, and delivery Lead design and testing of spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems and mission data systems Drive RF systems analysis and trade studies, including modulation schemes, frequency band selection, antenna coverage, and link margin optimization, and present findings to senior leadership and stakeholders Lead requirements definition, traceability, and verification strategies across the RF communications subsystem lifecycle Conduct advanced performance analysis for missions spanning Earth-centered orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) as well as deep space environments including cislunar and Mars Serve as a primary RF communications interface with internal spacecraft development teams and external partners, ensuring designs meet mission requirements Lead and contribute to technical reviews as a subject matter expert on RF communications Drive and support proposal development and new business capture activities, including technical writing, architecture inputs, and basis of estimate development Identify and champion the adoption of emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in spacecraft RF communications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a closely related technical field 8+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in RF systems engineering, including design, analysis, integration, and/or test of spacecraft communications systems Demonstrated experience leading the development of RF link budgets and performing end-to-end communications system analysis Deep working knowledge of spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures, including transmitters, receivers, transponders, and associated ground station equipment Proven experience defining and flowing down system-level RF specifications to hardware development teams Strong familiarity with RF communications standards and protocols relevant to space applications (e.g., CCSDS) Demonstrated ability to lead system-level trade studies and communicate complex technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong record of contributing to technical documentation, design reviews, and proposal efforts Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance — 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 Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field 10+ years of experience in spacecraft RF communications systems engineering Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance Demonstrated experience leading RF architecture development for National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated requirements and constraints Experience with deep space communications systems, including cislunar and/or Mars mission architectures Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) or commercial ground network interfaces and operational concepts Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and digital signal processing techniques Proficiency in RF analysis and simulation tools such as STK, MATLAB, or Python Background in antenna systems design, including phased arrays, high-gain antennas, and omnidirectional coverage analysis Knowledge of EMI/EMC design principles and testing methodologies for spaceflight hardware Experience with environmental qualification of RF hardware (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to government or commercial proposal efforts, including technical writing, basis of estimate development, and RF architecture inputs for new business capture Proven ability to operate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 CO applicants is $133,500.00 - $186,898.95 WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 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. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin 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. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here. Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space. California Applicant Privacy Notice