Principal mmWave Design Engineer (Power Amplifiers) - TeraWave

Blue Origin LLC; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support program

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking an experienced RFIC/ASIC designer to join the TeraWave team. The role focuses on designing RFICs and mixed-signal ASICs for space-based communications, with emphasis on analog verification, layout, and integration, using Cadence Virtuoso and related tools.

Applicants should have 10+ years in mmWave IC design, with a strong CMOS/SOI background and a track record in high-frequency amplifier analysis and testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field plus relevant industry experience.
• 10+ years of mmWave silicon IC analysis, design and implementation.
• Strong background in bipolar and CMOS technologies, EM theory and IC packaging.
• Experience with Cadence Virtuoso and analog design environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop RFICs and mixed-signal ASICs for space systems.
• Implement designs using Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre RF and similar tools.
• Develop analog models for verification and validation of ASICs.
• Create and execute test plans pre and post silicon.
• Analyze noise, linearity, power, and impairment tradeoffs in designs.
• Collaborate with systems, firmware, architecture, and product engineering teams.
• Support lab integration, debugging and troubleshooting activities.
• Address layout and timing challenges; optimize interfaces and congestion.
• Apply AI-based methodologies across the design cycle from design to manufacturing.

Skills

RFIC design

Analog ASICs

CMOS transistors

mmWave expertise

EM theory

Circuit testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

MS/PhD (preferred)

Tools

Cadence Virtuoso

Spectre RF

Layout tools

Co-simulation

Job description

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 is a foundational role on our TeraWave team. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are bringing together technology from across our product lines to build the future of space-based communication.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment
• This role will be based onsite in either the San Diego, CA; Bay Area, CA; or Renton, WA.
• A temporary remote work exception is approved while our Bay Area and San Diego sites are being developed.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop RFICs, and mixed-signal ASICs
• Implement designs using Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre RF and similar tools
• Develop Analog model for verification methodologies for ASIC verification and requirements validation
• Create and execute test plans pre and post silicon
• Conduct noise, linearity, power, mismatch and other analog impairments implementations tradeoffs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, firmware, architecture, and product engineering
• Support lab integration and troubleshooting activities
• Resolve design and layout issues and drive solutions for interface timing, congestion, and other implementation challenges
• Adopt AI based methodology throughout the design cycle of the custom ICs, from design, simulation to verification, characterization and manufacturing

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of industry experience in mmWave Silicon integrated power amplifier analysis, design, and implementation
• Solid background in advanced bipolar and CMOS transistor technologies, electromagnetic theory, and IC packaging techniques
• Familiar with communication standards, signals and systems, modulation techniques, and DSP analysis
• Hands-on experience with Cadence Virtuoso with emphasis on analog design environment and layout environment
• Proficient in performing load-pull simulations, transient simulation, co-simulation of circuits and EM structures
• Experienced in testing, debugging and verification of mm-wave power amplifier and transmitter systems
• Good communication, Documentation, reporting and presentation skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience in full RF CMOS ASIC lifecycle (architecture, design, simulation, verification, validation, integration & test)
• Experience with Software-Defined Radio Architectures, ADC/DAC, and/or DSPs
• Knowledge of DSP and communications systems including spread spectrum, forward error correction, and modulation types (OFDM, QPSK, QAM, PCM/FM, PAM)
• Experience mentoring junior engineers

Base Pay Range

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

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 (CDL drivers only), 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

• 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.

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’sAffirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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