Principal Space RF Communications Architect

Blue Origin; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 169,624 - 237,473; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off up to four weeks

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Space RF Communications Architect to define and drive RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs. This impactful role requires over 12 years of experience in RF systems engineering, with expertise in TT&C, crosslinks, and mission data links. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering teams and government customers to ensure compatibility and performance. A bachelor's degree in a related field and an active Top Secret security clearance are mandatory.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering or communications systems design.
• Demonstrated experience designing TT&C, crosslink, and mission data link systems.
• Experience with National Security Space programs.

Responsibilities

• Define and own RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs.
• Lead architecture trades and system‑level analyses.
• Collaborate with engineering and ground systems teams for compatibility.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Communication systems design

Technical communication

Architecture documentation

Frequency band analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field

Job description

As a Principal Space RF Communications Architect within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining and driving end‑to‑end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next‑generation space systems—from TT&C and crosslinks to mission data links—and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high‑impact, high‑visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin’s national security mission.

Special Mentions

• Preferred Location: Kent, WA (Seattle area). Candidates located in or willing to relocate to the Seattle area are strongly preferred. We will also consider candidates based at our Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; or Reston, VA offices.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to the Kent, WA area.
• Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs.
• Clearance: An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is required. TS//SCI is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and own end‑to‑end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), crosslinks, and mission data links
• Lead architecture trades and system‑level analyses to evaluate frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs)
• Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end‑to‑end communications compatibility and performance
• Engage with government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization
• Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits
• Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements (e.g., COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR)
• Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align communications architectures with broader mission and system‑level strategies

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems
• Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C, crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems
• Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government customers
• Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences
• Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts
• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Active TS//SCI security clearance
• Experience with protected/anti‑jam waveforms, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems
• Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer)
• Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures
• Knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes
• Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs
• Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross‑functional technical leadership responsibilities

Compensation Range

CA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
CO applicants: $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
WA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

Other site ranges may differ

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with a company match up to 5%, and an Education Support Program
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours per 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 are subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details

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, Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements, 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

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 workforce. 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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other protected status. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants 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.