RF Communications Payload Lead (R38110)

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on development, manufacturing, and operation of satellite systems to address one of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space mobility. As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, you will be the lead engineer in a hands-on role to develop, build, and test an RF relay communications payload on our next-generation Blue Ring spacecraft. You will have an active role through the full product life cycle! The ideal candidate will have a strong background in RF engineering, satellite communications, and systems engineering, as well as excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Craft the communication system architecture, use cases, and performance requirements.
• Create and lead subsystem development activities to meet schedule, budget, and corporate strategy objectives.
• Build a strong team of engineers responsible for the subsystem developments.
• Resolve trade-offs that arise.
• Maintain active involvement during assembly and test of development and flight hardware.
• Define, write, and track subsystem technical budgets and performance metrics throughout the program lifecycle, including the end-to-end communication link budget.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams, project managers, customers, and the integrated supply chain.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in an engineering field (aerospace, electrical, or physics desired).
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in RF engineering, satellite communications, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow engineering teams.
• Proficient in RF design, analysis, simulation, and testing tools.
• Proficient with communication standards and protocols including modulation formats, channel coding, and advanced waveforms.
• Experience building satellite communication systems, architectures, and components.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on work with all aspects of space-based RF communication systems including radios, antennas, and other RF equipment.
• 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.

Desired:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in an engineering field.
• At least 10 years of experience in RF engineering, satellite communications, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience leading engineering teams or projects.
• Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
• Experience crafting sophisticated high-speed digital designs including FPGAs or ASICs.
• Proficiency in detailed RF signal chain design and analysis.
• Familiar with RF certification and compliance testing.
• Experience collaborating with diverse customers and suppliers in the aerospace industry.
• Experience mentoring and coaching junior engineers.

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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. per