Reflector/Feed Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 164,652 - 230,512; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced engineer to lead design and trade studies for high-gain reflector systems. This role involves managing a mmWave feed chain and performing mechanical and thermal sensitivity analyses.

Ideal candidates will have a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and 5+ years of RF antenna experience, or an advanced degree with appropriate experience. The position also offers a range of benefits including stock options and various insurances.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead design and trade studies for high-gain reflector systems.
• Own the mmWave feed chain including horns and diplexers.
• Model large-aperture performance using simulation tools.

Skills

Electromagnetics

Simulation Tools (HFSS, CST)

Design Leadership

Feed Chain Expertise

mmWave Testing

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

TICRA/GRASP

Job description

Application close date: 07/7/2026

Location: United States, Washington, Seattle

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.
• EBand 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

CA applicants: $164,652.00 – $230,512.80
WA applicants: $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 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 bonuses and other rewards based on company discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation.

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.
• 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 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.

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.