RF Systems Engineer III

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 130,706 - 182,987; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Stock options for regular employees

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an RF Systems Engineer III to develop spacecraft communications systems based in Seattle, WA. In this role, you will work closely with the Chief Communications Architect to create RF system architectures and specifications for various space programs.

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, along with significant experience in RF systems. Relocation assistance is available, and the role involves less than 25% travel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF systems engineering.
• Experience in developing RF link budgets.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures.

Responsibilities

• Develop RF communications system architectures for spacecraft.
• Maintain RF link budgets for space communications.
• Support RF systems analysis and trade studies.

Skills

RF systems engineering

Systems analysis

Communication skills

Technical documentation

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

STK

Job description

Overview

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We are developing reusable, safe, and low‑cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion.

The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, focused on 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. Working closely with the Chief Communications Architect, you will help shape 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 who applies 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

• 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

CA applicants: $130,706.00 – $182,987.70
CO applicants: $119,814.00 – $167,738.55
WA applicants: $130,706.00 – $182,987.70
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 up to 5% company match, 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 discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and may change.

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 a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork and provide all qualified applicants equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment. For more information, please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans, or requiring a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please do not include personal medical information in your request.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, 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 profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) if the role requires service on a military installation.
• Required for certain profiles: Drivers operating commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 lbs. or transporting hazardous materials may be subject to additional federal regulations.
• Required for certain profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain a Merchant Mariner Credential for maritime positions.