Principal RF Communications Engineer

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 173,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Top Secret clearance desired

Travel up to 25%

Job summary

Blue Origin, based in Colorado, is seeking an experienced RF communications lead for mission-critical avionics systems. This role supports Blue National Security and national security missions across spacecraft operations, providing real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spaceflight programs.

Responsibilities include owning system performance, coordinating interfaces across space relay platforms and ground stations, and mentoring junior engineers.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• 15+ years of avionics and communication systems development/verification.
• Knowledge of radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms.
• Experience with EM simulations using HFSS, CST, or TICRA.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical authority for RF communications systems; mentor engineers, review products, chair reviews, author docs.
• Architect and deploy RF comms systems from concept to mission ops for real-time telemetry and data flows.
• Own end-to-end system performance: link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, verification across flight phases.
• Design and execute RF test campaigns across bench, integrated, and field environments.
• Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting through ongoing management.

Skills

Avionics & comms experience

RF system design

EM simulations

Leadership & mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics

MS/PhD in EE (preferred)

Tools

HFSS

CST

TICRA

ANSSYS STK

DOORS Next Gen / Cameo (optional)

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!

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Top Secret clearance desired
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

Responsibilities

• Technical authority for RF communications systems - mentor junior engineers, review technical products, sit on and chair reviews, author systems documentation
• Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems — from concept through mission operations — enabling real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations
• Own end-to-end system performance , including link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight
• Design and execute RF test campaigns spanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability
• Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting and selection through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets rigorous mission requirements
• Define and maintain system architecture , including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation communications solutions
• Coordinate critical interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH/payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity
• Own configuration control and documentation , maintaining detailed functional/logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures that keep fast-moving programs on track
• Be in the action — support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations to see your work fly

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification
• Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms
• Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
• Demonstrated leadership of technical teams with emphasis on mentoring junior engineers
• 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

• 20 or more years of experience with an M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area
• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Experience performing satellite link budget simulations using mission design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems
• Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
• Proficiency in waveform design, algorithms development (including Matlab/Simulink simulations) or networking.
• Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill

Base Pay Range

• CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35
• 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 Aff. 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.