Advanced Technology Architect for Space-Based Communications Network (Top Secret Clearance Required)

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.

This position is within the In-Space Systems business unit and will report to the Mission Engineering & Architecture organization. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced System Architect to shape the development of technologies to support novel communications capabilities needed to support Blue Origin’s Road to Space. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining technology roadmaps for “systems of systems”, performing analysis of alternatives, and leading efforts to de-risk key technologies.

Special Mentions:

• Up to 25% of travel

• Relocation provided

Responsibilities:

The selected candidate requires strong mission systems architecture and engineering experience, as well as excellent collaboration skills to work across multiple teams and business areas within In-Space Systems and across Blue Origin. In this role, you will have the following responsibilities:

• Systems Architecture Development: Lead the architectural design and development of a multi-node communications network, ensuring integration of free-space optical communications and RF phased array technologies. Conduct comprehensive analysis of alternatives to determine optimal design choices and system configurations, focusing on verifying design approaches through simulations, trade studies, and prototyping to de-risk key technology items.

• Technical Leadership: Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute architectural design, simulations, and validation tests, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. Work closely with systems engineering to define capabilities needed for flight design, such as beam control and custom beam shapes, and to establish minimum viable product requirements for proof-of-concept designs.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate "make or break" technical risks through rigorous testing and validation of flight-like hardware articles. Develop strategies to address manufacturability and producibility risks for novel components, such as low-cost telescopes and lasercom terminals, by refining mechanical designs and conducting thermal management assessments.

• Technology Development: Drive the development of key technologies, including lasercom terminals and RF phased arrays, focusing on link speed, power, and cost efficiency. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to leverage advanced photonics and telecom technologies for system enhancement and begin tapeout activities for custom silicon fabrication.

• Rapid Iterative Development: Emphasize rapid, iterative development processes to refine system designs and integrate lessons learned from proof-of-concept articles into flight designs. Develop and test initial capabilities for adaptive optics on ground uplinks and perform feasibility simulations to optimize producibility and cost.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Extensive experience in systems engineering and architecture development for complex aerospace or telecommunications systems.

• Experience with high-frequency RF and optical communication systems, including phased arrays and lasercom technologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct detailed trade studies and risk assessments.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Top Secret clearance eligibility required

• 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 Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in any of the following: RF phased array design, beam pattern simulations, digital signal processing and modem design, networking, custom silicon fabrication processes, including tapeout activities and ASIC design.