Reflector/Feed Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 164,652 - 230,512; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Parental leave

401(k) plan

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a skilled engineer to lead the design and development of high-frequency reflector antenna systems for space communications. This role involves overseeing the antenna system from concept to flight qualification and requires expertise in advanced electromagnetic theory.

Candidates must have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with significant RF antenna experience and will work in a collaborative environment. Great benefits and competitive salary range apply.

Qualifications

• 5+ years RF antenna experience, or 3+ years with M.S./Ph.D.
• Deep understanding of EM theory applied to reflector geometries.
• Demonstrated ownership of a complex feed‑system program.

Responsibilities

• Lead design studies for high‑gain reflector systems.
• Own the mmWave feed chain for dual‑circular polarization.
• Define test plans for flight hardware characterization.

Skills

Electromagnetics

Design Leadership

Simulation Tools

Feed Chain Expertise

mmWave Testing

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S./Ph.D.

Tools

PO/GTD tools

HFSS

CST

Job description

life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), stock options

Jul 02, 2026

Application close date: 07/7/2026

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.

You will lead the design and development of high‑frequency reflector antenna systems that form the core of Blue Origin's in‑space communication architecture. This role owns the antenna system end‑to‑end—from concept and architecture through analysis, simulation, fabrication, and flight qualification. You will make decisions that directly determine deep‑space and LEO constellation communication performance.

Responsibilities

• Reflector Architecture – Lead design and trade studies for high‑gain reflector systems (Cassegrain, Gregorian, Offset‑fed) meeting strict gain, beamwidth, and sidelobe requirements at E‑band.
• Feed System Development – Own the mmWave feed chain, including corrugated horns, OMTs, and diplexers supporting dual‑circular polarization for 71–76 GHz (downlink) and 81–86 GHz (uplink).
• EM Simulation – Model large‑aperture performance using PO/GTD tools (GRASP/TICRA) and full‑wave solvers (HFSS/CST), optimizing spillover, illumination, and aperture efficiency.
• Tolerance & Sensitivity – Perform mechanical and thermal sensitivity analyses on surface RMS error, feed alignment, vertex offsets, and structural deformation.
• Cross‑Functional Integration – Work with Mechanical and Thermal teams to select low‑CTE materials and manufacturing processes that preserve RF performance in space environments.
• Test & Verification – Define test plans and lead anechoic‑chamber characterization of flight hardware, focusing on axial ratio, isolation, and high‑frequency gain patterns.
• Vendor & Build Management – Interface with specialized E‑band fabrication vendors, ensuring manufacturability and guiding hardware from EM concept to flight‑ready configuration.

Basic Qualifications

• Education – B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years RF antenna experience, or M.S./Ph.D. with 3+ years.
• Electromagnetics – Deep understanding of EM theory applied to reflector geometries and aperture efficiency optimization.
• Design Leadership – Demonstrated ownership of a reflector or complex feed‑system program from concept through hardware delivery.
• Simulation Tools – Proficiency with PO/GTD tools (TICRA/GRASP) and 3D full‑wave solvers (HFSS, CST).
• Feed Chain Expertise – Experience designing dual‑CP feed systems with strong axial‑ratio and isolation performance.
• mmWave Testing – Familiarity with 70+ GHz measurement techniques, including far‑field/near‑field testing and waveguide‑band VNA calibration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree – Ph.D. in EE with focus on mmWave EM, antennas, or quasi‑optics.
• E‑Band Flight Heritage – Experience designing hardware for 71–76 / 81–86 GHz space systems, including thermal‑stability considerations.
• Component‑Level Specialization – Expertise with OMTs, septum polarizers, corrugated horns, and high‑rejection diplexers.
• Tolerance & POGO Analysis – Demonstrated ability to analyze reflector surface RMS and feed alignment sensitivities.
• Advanced Manufacturing – Experience with CNC micromilling, diffusion bonding, or additive manufacturing for E‑band components.
• Material Science – Knowledge of low‑CTE materials (Invar, graphite‑cyanate ester) and their RF behavior across extreme thermal gradients.

Base Pay Range for CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80. WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80. 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/week).
• Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for bonuses based on performance and company discretion.

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/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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 should contact us at [e-mail]. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Export Control Regulations: Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check: Required for all positions – Blue's Standard Background Check. Certain job profiles require DBIDS or other specific checks as described.