RF Systems Engineer III

Blue Origin LLC; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 119,814 - 167,738; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Education Support Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

A leading aerospace firm is seeking an experienced RF Systems Engineer III to develop innovative RF communication systems for spacecraft. The role involves collaborating with architects to create end-to-end system designs and performing analysis to ensure compliance with mission requirements. Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field and 5+ years of relevant experience. The position includes opportunities for collaborative problem solving and impact on future space missions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF systems engineering, including design and analysis.
• Experience developing RF link budgets and end-to-end communications system analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop end-to-end RF communications system architectures.
• Perform RF systems analysis and trade studies.
• Engage with teams to ensure RF designs meet mission requirements.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Collaborative spirit

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or RF Engineering

Tools

STK

MATLAB

Python

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! The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.As an RF Systems Engineer III within the **Advanced Capabilities** organization, you will support a broad portfolio of civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs across the business unit. Working closely with the **Chief Communications Architect**, you will help shape the future of spacecraft communications — from early-stage architecture development through system-level requirements definition and flow-down to spacecraft development teams. This is a high-impact, highly visible role at the intersection of mission engineering and cutting-edge RF communications technology.We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for space to positively impact our mission of *Millions of People Living and Working in Space for the Benefit of Earth.* Passion for our mission and vision is required!**Special Mentions:*** This position is based out of **Seattle, WA** OR any of Blue Origin's major locations* **Relocation assistance** is available for candidates who qualify* Travel expectation: **less than 25%****Responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Collaborate with the Chief Communications Architect to develop end-to-end **RF communications system architectures** for spacecraft across civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs* Develop and maintain **initial RF link budgets** for space-to-ground and crosslink communications across a range of mission profiles and orbital regimes* Define and develop **system-level RF specifications** and flow them down to spacecraft development teams for further design, integration, and delivery* Design and support testing of spacecraft **Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C)** systems and mission data systems* Perform **RF systems analysis and trade studies**, including modulation schemes, frequency band selection, antenna coverage, and link margin optimization* Support requirements definition, traceability, and verification across the RF communications subsystem lifecycle* Conduct performance analysis for missions spanning **Earth-centered orbits** (LEO, MEO, GEO) as well as **deep space environments** including cislunar and Mars* Engage with internal spacecraft development teams and external partners to ensure RF system designs meet mission requirements* Contribute to **technical reviews** and provide subject matter expertise on RF communications topics* Support proposal development and new business capture activities across the business unit* Stay current with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in spacecraft RF communications**Minimum Qualifications:*** Bachelor of Science degree in **Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering**, or a closely related technical field* **5+ years** of hands-on experience in RF systems engineering, including design, analysis, integration, and/or test of spacecraft communications systems* Demonstrated experience developing **RF link budgets** and performing end-to-end communications system analysis* Working knowledge of **spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures**, including transmitters, receivers, transponders, and associated ground station equipment* Experience developing and flowing down **system-level RF specifications** to hardware development teams* Familiarity with RF communications standards and protocols relevant to space applications (e.g., CCSDS)* Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform system-level trade studies and communicate results clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical documentation and design reviews**Preferred Qualifications:*** Master's degree in **Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering**, or related field* **7+ years** of experience in spacecraft RF communications systems engineering* **Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance** or the ability to obtain one* Experience with **deep space communications** systems, including cislunar and/or Mars mission architectures* Familiarity with **NASA Deep Space Network (DSN)** or commercial ground network interfaces and operational concepts* Experience with **software-defined radio (SDR)** platforms and digital signal processing techniques* Proficiency in RF analysis and simulation tools such as **STK, MATLAB, or Python*** Background in **antenna systems design**, including phased arrays, high-gain antennas, and omnidirectional coverage analysis* Experience supporting **National Security Space** programs and familiarity with associated requirements and constraints* Knowledge of **EMI/EMC** design principles and testing methodologies for spaceflight hardware* Experience with environmental qualification of RF hardware (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC)* **Experience contributing to government or commercial proposal efforts**, including technical writing, basis of estimate development, and RF architecture inputs for new business capture* Demonstrated ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment### Compensation Range for:CA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70**Other site ranges may differ****Culture Statement****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 (CDL drivers only), 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.* 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