Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 231,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer to own the end-to-end design of advanced phased array antennas for space vehicles. You will define RF architectures, perform critical EM simulations, and collaborate across RFIC/MMIC, DSP, mechanical, and thermal teams to deliver high-performance in-space communication hardware.

You will guide fabrication, environmental qualification, and testing, while mentoring other engineers and driving technical excellence through reviews and

Qualifications

• BS with 10+ years in RF antenna design or MS with 5+ years in RF antenna design.
• Deep EM theory knowledge applied to phased arrays.
• Proven leadership in antenna or phased array design.
• Experience with HFSS, CST, or TICRA and antenna measurement.

Responsibilities

• Own major components of end-to-end phased array antenna design for microwave/mmWave.
• Define system-level RF architectures balancing analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming.
• Conduct EM simulations to optimize performance, scan, and impedance matching.
• Collaborate with RFIC/MMIC, DSP, mechanical and thermal engineers to align requirements.
• Oversee fabrication, testing, environmental qualification, and lifecycle of antenna systems.
• Mentor engineers and lead design reviews with data analysis.

Skills

RF antenna design

Electromagnetic theory

Antenna measurement

Beamforming architectures

Leadership

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

HFSS

CST

TICRA

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 connectivity with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

As a Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer, you will design the physical hardware that forms the backbone of our in-space communication network. You will be a foundational member of a new, in-house team tasked with creating the next generation of high-frequency phased array antennas for Blue Origin’s space vehicles. This is a unique opportunity to own the antenna system design from the ground up, making critical architectural decisions that will directly impact our ability to communicate in deep space. This role is for a technical leader who can translate mission needs into robust, space-qualified RF hardware. You will be the team’s center of gravity for antenna theory, EM simulation, and array design. You will work side-by-side with our DSP Architect and system engineers to deliver the high-performance communication systems that will enable millions of people to live and work in space.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Own significant components of the end-to-end design of advanced phased array antennas, from radiating element to the full array, for microwave and millimeter-wave applications (X, Ku, Ka-bands).
• Define system-level RF architectures, including leading trades between analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming approaches to meet platform constraints (SWaP, thermal, etc.).
• Guide and perform critical electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize array performance, scan volume, and impedance matching.
• Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system design.
• Oversee the entire hardware lifecycle, guiding the fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal-vac, vibration, radiation) of antenna systems.
• Mentor other engineers and drive technical excellence through rigorous design reviews and data analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years of experience in RF antenna design or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna design.
• Deep expertise in electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly for phased arrays.
• Proven experience leading the design of an antenna or phased array system.
• Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., HFSS, CST).
• Understanding of the trade-offs between different beamforming architectures (analog, digital, hybrid).
• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electromagnetics or Antennas.
• Track record of taking a complex antenna system from initial concept through to production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications.
• Experience designing and developing high-frequency phased arrays at mm-Wave (e.g., Ka, V, E-band).
• Experience with the design and development of associated hardware, such as feed networks, polarizers, or waveguides.
• Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies and T/R module design considerations.
• Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms.
• Patents or publications in the field of antenna or phased array design.

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 VA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 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.

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:

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

• 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%
• 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’s affirmation 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.

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