Principal 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

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 (BNS) business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of our nation's most critical exploration & national security missions.

As a Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining and driving end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications and PNT programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation deep space systems - spanning TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, and Earth-to-deep-space mission data links - and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin's deep space exploration mission, enabling humanity's long-term presence on the Moon and Mars.

Special Mentions

• Preferred Location: Any Blue Origin location, including Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Space Coast, FL; Reston, VA; or Kent, WA (Seattle area) offices.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to one of the primary Blue Origin office locations
• Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs.
• Clearance: An active TS//SCI is preferred though not required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), proximity links, relay crosslinks, and mission data links spanning Earth-to-Mars and Earth-to-Moon distances
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate deep space frequency bands (S-, X-, Ka-band, and UHF), waveforms, link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, and high-gain antenna configurations optimized for extreme range and signal propagation environments
• Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs) aligned with NASA LunaNet, Moon-to-Mars (M2M), and CCSDS interoperability standards
• Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance across Martian & cislunar relay network architectures
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams, including spacecraft design, mechanical, thermal, power systems, and flight software, to ensure seamless integration, verification, and successful operation of deep space communications systems throughout the mission lifecycle
• Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
• Engage with government customers, program offices, commercial partners, and international stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction for deep space telecommunications infrastructure
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Blue National Security organization
• Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for deep space telecommunications pursuits
• Identify and assess emerging RF and optical communications technologies, evolving deep space standards (e.g., CCSDS Proximity-1, LunaNet Interoperability Specification), and spectrum coordination frameworks relevant to Mars & cislunar mission environments
• Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable deep space spectrum regulations, ITU/NTIA frequency coordination requirements, NASA SCaN architecture standards, and ITAR
• Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align deep space communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies for Martian and lunar exploration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or closely related disciplines, with a proven track record in the development, integration, and deployment of space-segment communications systems
• Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and integrating TT&C, proximity link, relay crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proven expertise in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation and coding techniques, and antenna system architecture, design, and performance evaluation for deep space or long-range applications
• Strong understanding of deep space link budget analysis, accounting for extreme distances, planetary occultations, and solar interference
• Experience with high-gain antenna systems, including design, pointing requirements, and performance optimization
• Experience using industry-standard RF communications design, modeling, and simulation tools, including Cadence AWR, Ansys HFSS & STK, MathWorks Simulink, and MATLAB
• Ability to flow down communication system requirements into RF component-level performance specifications for RFP development and procurement activities
• Experience working on deep space, cislunar, or planetary exploration programs and familiarity with associated government and commercial customers
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences
• Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts

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 or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in RF communications testing and in-orbit test (IOT) support, including development and execution of RF test procedures, validation of system performance, and support for integration, launch, and on-orbit verification activities
• Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
• Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) interfaces, LunaNet Interoperability Specification, CCSDS Proximity-1 protocol, and Moon-to-Mars (M2M) architecture standards
• Experience with hybrid RF and optical/laser communications architectures for deep space relay and high-data-rate mission links
• Knowledge of deep space spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA/SFCG regulatory processes applicable to cislunar and Mars frequency allocations
• Experience with Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols and contact graph routing for intermittent deep space link environments
• Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
• Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for deep space exploration or government space programs
• Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities

• Active TS