Principal RF Communications Engineer

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Top Secret clearance desired

Travel up to 25%

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a sharp RF engineer to own end-to-end RF communications for space missions. You will lead technical reviews, architect systems, and drive integration across spacecraft, ground stations, and payload interfaces.

The role focuses on RF design, verification, and mission support in a fast-paced, safety-driven environment. Relocation is offered and some travel is expected.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical authority for RF communications systems and mentor junior engineers.
• Architect and deploy mission-critical RF systems from concept through operations.
• Own end-to-end system performance including link budget and verification across flight phases.
• Design and execute RF test campaigns across bench, integrated systems and field environments.
• Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting to ongoing management to meet mission requirements.
• Define and maintain system architecture with sizing, requirements derivation and performance parameters.
• Coordinate interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and payload subsystems.
• Maintain configuration control and detailed documentation for fast-moving programs.

Skills

RF engineering

Satellite comms

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Procurement strategy

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area

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.

As part of our RF Communications team, you'll have end-to-end ownership of next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations. This isn't a narrow role - your fingerprints will be on the full subsystem lifecycle, including specifications, procurement, AI&T execution, and mission support. We're looking for a sharp RF engineer with a foundation in satellite communications and systems engineering who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to lead.

Special Mentions:

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

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• 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 campaignsspanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability
• Drive procurement strategyfrom 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 interfacesacross 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