Principal DSP Engineer - Terawave

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education support program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a senior signal processing/ASIC-focused engineer to advance the TeraWave custom silicon for space communications. This onsite role allows hybrid remote exception while sites develop, with work across MATLAB/Python/C/C++ and FPGA/ASIC teams to optimize power and performance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in signal processing or modem design, a relevant bachelor's, and advanced modeling experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in EE, CE or related field.
• 10+ years in signal processing or modem design.
• Experience with PHY, DSP, RF or mixed-signal designs.
• Strong hands-on coding in MATLAB, Python, C/C++ for DSP.
• Experience with floating-/fixed-point modeling and optimization.
• Knowledge of DSP and communications systems and filters.

Responsibilities

• Develop models/algorithms for TeraWave Custom Silicon.
• Implement DSP/PHY algorithms in MATLAB, Python, C/C++.
• Move algorithms from float to fixed-point and verify bit-accuracy.
• Pursue lowest power and highest performance.
• Target FPGA/ASIC implementation with fixed-point optimization.
• Support pre-silicon verification and ASIC bring-up.
• Design advanced digital end-to-end communication systems.
• Model channel impairments and validate across models.
• Collaborate with ASIC, RFIC, and SW teams.
• Assist in prototype pre-silicon platform bring-up and post-silicon validation.
• Debug and correlate performance across RTL/FPGA and silicon.

Skills

Signal processing

Modem design

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

DSP knowledge

Beamforming

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

SystemC

C/C++ toolchains

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!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

This role will be onsite in either the Bay Area-CA, Austin-TX, or Kent-WA. It is approved for a temporary remote work exception while specific sites are being developed.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop models and algorithms for the TeraWave Custom Silicon. This includes packet processing, MAC, PHY, and Radio DSP
• Hands‑on development and implementation of DSP/PHY algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and C/C++
• Take algorithms from floating‑point modeling through fixed‑point implementation and bit‑accurate verification
• Drive for lowest power consumption and highest performance
• Target your algorithms for FPGA and ASIC implementation, including fixed‑point optimization, word‑length analysis, and implementation tradeoffs
• Support the ASIC implementation through pre‑silicon verification
• Design advanced digital end‑to‑end communication systems
• Develop and model channel impairment models
• Work collaboratively with ASIC, RFIC, and SW implementation teams
• Work with the application team to bring up prototype pre‑silicon platforms and support post‑silicon validation of architecture and algorithm performance
• Debug and correlate algorithm performance across system models, RTL/FPGA, and silicon

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in signal processing or modem design and development
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Experience with PHY, DSP, beamforming, RF and/or mixed‑signal designs
• Strong hands‑on programming experience in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for DSP/communications algorithm development
• Experience with floating‑point and fixed‑point modeling, bit‑accurate implementation, and algorithm optimization
• Experience with MATLAB, SystemC, C/C++ or other system‑level modeling tools
• Knowledge of DSP and communications systems, filters

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience in full ASIC lifecycle (architecture, design, simulation, verification, validation, integration & test)
• Experience taking DSP algorithms from MATLAB/Python reference models into real‑time C/C++, FPGA, DSP, or ASIC implementations
• Experience with Software‑Defined Radio architectures, ADC/DAC, and/or DSPs
• Familiarity with multirate digital signal processing techniques
• Experience with real‑time embedded DSP implementation, profiling, optimization, and hardware/software partitioning
• Experience with pre‑silicon verification, hardware bring‑up, and lab correlation/debug
• Experience mentoring junior engineers

Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $230,398.00 - $322,556.85 WA applicants is $230,398.00 - $322,556.85.

Other site ranges may differ

Culture 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 an 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. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre‑employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.