Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave

Blue Origin LLC; Central (TX); On-site; USD 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC seeks a Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer to advance modem PHY blocks for Terawave ASICs and prototyping platforms. You will help architect, model, and validate PHY functions and ensure robust performance across throughput, latency, and power targets.

You will collaborate with systems, RTL, RF, verification, FPGA, firmware, and validation teams to translate requirements into hardware-ready designs and drive successful bring-up on FPGA and silicon.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in wireless communications, modem PHY design, DSP, or ASIC/FPGA-based baseband development.
• Strong background in digital communications theory and modem implementation.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, C/C++, for modeling and simulation.
• Experience translating algorithms into hardware-oriented architectures for ASIC or FPGA implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop modem PHY IP for Terawave ASIC and prototyping platforms.
• Contribute to PHY algorithm development and hardware architecture for modulation, timing synchronization, channel estimation, and MIMO.
• Translate system and link requirements into implementation-ready PHY block specifications.
• Develop floating-point, fixed-point, and bit-accurate models for modem PHY functions.
• Collaborate with verification teams to define test strategies and coverage plans.
• Support bring-up and validation of modem PHY features in FPGA prototypes and silicon.
• Analyze simulation and silicon data to debug design issues and improve PHY performance.

Skills

Modem PHY design

DSP

ASIC/FPGA baseband

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

MIMO/beamforming

OFDM

Fixed-point math

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field

Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, Communications, or related field

Tools

RTL design and verification flows

FPGA prototyping

Lab characterization

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.We are seeking a Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer to support the design and development of advanced modem physical layer (PHY) IP for the Terawave program. This role will contribute to the architecture, modeling, implementation, integration, and validation of modem PHY functions for next-generation high-performance wireless ASIC solutions.The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth in digital communications and modem design, along with hands-on experience translating algorithms into implementation-ready hardware architectures. This engineer will work closely with systems, ASIC, RF, verification, FPGA, firmware, and validation teams to deliver robust and efficient PHY IP.Responsibilities· Design and develop modem PHY IP for Terawave ASIC and prototyping platforms.· Contribute to PHY algorithm development and hardware architecture for functions such as:o modulation and demodulationo timing and frequency synchronizationo channel estimation and trackingo equalizationo FEC integrationo MIMO / beamforming supporto impairment mitigation and calibration support· Translate system and link requirements into implementation-ready PHY block specifications .· Develop floating-point, fixed-point, and bit-accurate models for modem PHY functions.· Perform performance analysis and trade studies across throughput, latency, area, and power.· Work with architecture and RTL teams to partition algorithms into efficient hardware implementations.· Support interface definition and subsystem integration for PHY IP within the broader modem/baseband architecture.· Collaborate with verification teams to define test strategies, reference models, and coverage plans.· Analyze simulation, emulation, FPGA, lab, and silicon data to debug design issues and improve PHY performance.· Support bring-up and validation of modem PHY features in FPGA prototypes and silicon.· Document design assumptions, architecture decisions, performance results, and implementation details.· Work effectively with internal teams and external design partners to help drive execution.Minimum Qualifications· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering , Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field.· 10 + years of experience in wireless communications, modem PHY design, DSP, or ASIC/FPGA-based baseband development.· Strong background in digital communications theory and modem implementation.· Experience in several of the following areas:o OFDM and/or single-carrier systemso synchronization algorithmso channel estimation and equalizationo adaptive modulation and codingo FEC such as LDPC, Polar, Turbo, or BCHo fixed-point analysis and quantizationo MIMO or beamforming techniques· Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, C/C++ , or similar tools for modeling and simulation.· Experience translating algorithms into hardware-oriented architectures for ASIC or FPGA implementation.· Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.· Ability to work across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.Preferred Qualifications· Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, Communications, or related field .· Experience with modem PHY design for:o mmWave / sub-THz / Terahertz systemso satellite or space communicationso 5G/6G systemso high-throughput wireless backhaul or mesh systems· Familiarity with RTL design and verification flows.· Experience with FPGA prototyping, lab characterization, and silicon bring-up.· Knowledge of RF and mixed-signal impairments such as phase noise, carrier offset, nonlinearities, and calibration effects.· Experience working with external IP vendors or design service partners.· Ability to work effectively in an ambiguous, fast-moving development environment.Base Pay Range for:CA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon’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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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 OpportunityBlue 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.Affirmative Action and Disability AccommodationApplicants 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 at [e-mail] . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.