Chief Deep-Space RF Communications Architect

Blue Origin; Florida; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect to define end-to-end RF architectures for Mars and cislunar missions. You will lead system-level analyses, specify interfaces, and ensure performance across TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, and data links.

You will collaborate with mission engineering, payload, and ground teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance with NASA LunaNet and CCSDS standards, while mentoring engineers and supporting proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 12+ years in RF systems engineering, communications, or related disciplines with space-segment experience.
• Experience designing TT&C, proximity link, relay crosslink, and data link systems for space vehicles or satellites.
• Expertise in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation techniques, and antenna systems for deep space/long-range applications.
• Knowledge of deep space link budgets, extreme distances, solar interference, and latency challenges.
• Experience with high-gain antenna design, pointing requirements, and performance optimization.
• Proficiency with RF design tools (Cadence AWR, HFSS, STK) and data analysis with MATLAB/Simulink.
• Ability to translate requirements into RF specifications for RFPs and procurement.
• Experience in deep space, cislunar, or planetary programs and familiarity with government/industry customers.
• Strong technical communication skills for presenting architectures to technical and executive audiences.
• Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposals.

Responsibilities

• Define and own end-to-end RF architectures for Mars and cislunar programs (TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, data links).
• Lead architecture trades and system analyses for deep space frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, and antenna configurations.
• Develop deep-space link budgets and performance analyses accounting for distance, degradation, and latency.
• Maintain architecture documentation (CONOPS, ICDs, ADDs) aligned with LunaNet, M2M, CCSDS interoperability.
• Collaborate with mission, systems, payload, and ground teams for end-to-end compatibility.
• Coordinate with spacecraft, mechanical, thermal, power, and flight software teams for integration.
• Oversee high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing to maximize data throughput.
• Engage with government customers and partners to capture requirements and influence program direction.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF/communications engineers.
• Support proposals with technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers.
• Identify advanced RF/optical technologies and relevant deep space standards.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Aerospace engineering

Technical communication

System-level thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Cadence AWR

Ansys HFSS

STK

MATLAB

MathWorks Simulink

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect to define end-to-end RF architectures for Mars and cislunar missions. You will lead system-level analyses, specify interfaces, and ensure performance across TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, and data links.

You will collaborate with mission engineering, payload, and ground teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance with NASA LunaNet and CCSDS standards, while mentoring engineers and supporting proposals.