Principal PLL IC Design Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin LLC; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 269,000 - 377,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Travel up to 10%

Temporary remote work exception

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC seeks a Principal IC Design Engineer to lead PLL and clock distribution development for high-speed RF/mmWave applications in advanced CMOS/SiGe processes. You will collaborate with RF and SOC architects, oversee layout and tape-out, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires extensive analog/RF experience, strong design for performance, and the ability to operate across cross-functional teams on-site in San Diego or Cupertino, CA, or Renton, WA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years designing high-speed (>20GHz) PLLs and LO generation for RF/mmWave.
• Proven loop design experience for phase noise/jitter, spur, area and power optimization.
• Experience with PLLs and clock distribution in wireless and wireline apps.
• Knowledge of clock-domain synchronization in multi-PLL systems.
• Understanding of device physics for process optimization.
• Proficiency in mixed-mode/RF modeling, simulation and verification (MATLAB, Spectre, SystemVerilog, AMS).
• US citizen or eligible for US work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and integration of PLLs and clock distribution in CMOS FinFET and SiGe tech.
• Use Spectre and AMS flows to develop high-performance PLL circuits.
• Define requirements with RF/SOC architects for PLLs and sub-blocks.
• Oversee layout, integration, floorplanning and tape-out readiness.
• Collaborate with validation/product teams to develop tests and enable bring-up.
• Investigate and implement fundamental analog blocks to boost circuit performance.
• Mentor junior engineers on best analog design practices.

Skills

PLL design

Clock distribution

RF/mmWave design

Spectre/AMS flows

SystemVerilog

RF characterization

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Spectre

AMS flows

SystemVerilog

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. We are seeking a Principal IC Design Engineer to lead the development of integrated Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) and clocking systems in advanced CMOS/SiGe processes. This role requires extensive design experience, particularly at mmWave frequencies, and is essential for advancing our technology offerings in space communication systems. You will be responsible for delivering state-of-the-art performance while contributing to innovative solutions that drive Blue Origin's mission of enabling millions to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

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; Cupertino, CA; or Renton, WA.
• A temporary remote work exception is approved while our San Diego sites are being developed.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design, development and integration of PLLs and clock distribution in advanced CMOS FinFET and SiGe technologies, focusing on performance optimization and trade‑off analysis.
• Utilizing full proficiency in Spectre and AMS flows to develop high‑performance PLL circuits.
• Collaborating with RF and SOC system architects to define requirements for PLLs and their sub‑blocks based on system specifications, ensuring seamless integration into RF payloads and terminals.
• Overseeing layout, top‑level integration, floorplanning, and verification of the overall design for successful tape‑out cycle.
• Working closely with validation and product engineers to develop test plans, facilitate bring‑up, optimize performance, and ensure reliable & high‑yield production cycles.
• Investigating and implementing fundamental analog building blocks to enhance overall circuit performance
• Mentoring junior engineers for best design practices in analog domain.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience in the design and development of high‑speed (>20GHz) PLLs, and LO generation for high‑performance applications at RF and mmWave frequencies
• Proven expertise in loop design for phase noise/jitter, spur profile, area, and power optimization
• Proficient in the design of PLLs and clock distribution circuits for wireless and wireline applications
• Experience with clock domain synchronization techniques within systems involving multiple PLLs and/or clock domains
• Fundamental understanding of device physics for process selection and performance optimization
• Full proficiency in mixed-mode and RF modeling, simulation, and verification methodologies using toolsets such as MATLAB, Spectre, SystemVerilog, and AMS
• Extensive experience in PLL silicon characterization and debugging
• Proficiency in the design of fundamental analog/RF building blocks, including amplifiers, filters, mixers, harmonic-rejection mixers, pre-scalers, and frequency multipliers
• 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

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Experience designing fractional-N PLLs, All-Digital PLLs (ADPLL) and/or sub‑sampling PLLs is a plus
• Extensive experience with fundamental analog building blocks such as LDOs, bias generators, and operational amplifiers
• Familiarity with digital design, digital verification, and SystemVerilog modeling
• Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95 WA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95 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

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 Affimation 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. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth.