Lead RF Communications Engineer - Spacecraft Link Systems

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Top Secret clearance required

Top Secret / SCI clearance desired

Travel up to 30%

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an RF engineer to own end-to-end RF communications for next-generation spacecraft. You will architect, analyze, and validate systems supporting telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations.

The role demands collaboration across teams and hands-on testing in dynamic environments. Required 4+ years in avionics/communications, strong EM simulation skills (HFSS, CST, TICRA), and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field (Electrical Engineering or Physics).
• 4+ years of avionics and communication systems development and verification.
• Knowledge of RF communications systems, radios, antennas, and RF components.
• Experience with EM simulations (HFSS, CST, TICRA) to optimize antenna performance and coverage.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems from concept to checkout for real-time telemetry and data flows.
• Own end-to-end system performance including link budget, phase noise, and requirements verification across flight phases.
• Design and execute RF test campaigns across bench and field environments to verify hardware against specs.
• Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets mission requirements.
• Define and maintain system architecture with sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation comms solutions.
• Coordinate interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal subsystems for seamless end-to-end connectivity.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation with diagrams and inventories for fast-moving programs.
• Support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations.

Skills

RF engineering

System engineering

Communication systems

EM simulations

Team leadership

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

HFSS

CST

TICRA

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking an RF engineer to own end-to-end RF communications for next-generation spacecraft. You will architect, analyze, and validate systems supporting telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations.

The role demands collaboration across teams and hands-on testing in dynamic environments. Required 4+ years in avionics/communications, strong EM simulation skills (HFSS, CST, TICRA), and excellent communication.