RF Systems Engineer III

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel <=25%

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an RF Systems Engineer III within the Advanced Capabilities organization to support an expansive RF communications portfolio for civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs. You will collaborate with the Chief Communications Architect to translate requirements into spacecraft-level architectures and TT&C systems.

This role emphasizes end-to-end RF design, link budgets, and requirements flow-down to hardware teams, with travel expectations under 25%.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical/RF engineering or closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on RF systems engineering experience for spacecraft comms.
• Experience developing RF link budgets and end-to-end system analysis.
• Familiarity with TT&C subsystems and space-ground interfaces.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical reviews.

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end RF spacecraft communications architectures.
• Create RF link budgets for space-to-ground and crosslink links.
• Define system-level RF specifications and flow-down to hardware teams.
• Design and support TT&C hardware and mission data systems testing.
• Perform trade studies on modulation, frequency bands, antennas, and link margins.
• Support requirements traceability and verification across RF subsystems.

Skills

RF systems engineering

RF link budgets

system-level requirements

TT&C systems

analytical skills

technical communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical or RF Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

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! 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. 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.

Special Mentions

• 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

Base Pay Range For

VA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70 CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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, 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.
• 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 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 subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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 work force. 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. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s AffView 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.