RF Test Engineering Lead - Lunar Permanence

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking an RF test engineering lead to own the full RF test strategy for the Lunar Transfer Stage, driving planning, development, and execution of campaigns critical to safe human lunar missions.

You will apply deep technical expertise and leadership to ensure rigorous RF verification across multiple bands, with hands-on test setup and collaboration across teams at Merritt Island, FL.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of RF test engineering experience with leadership in RF campaigns from planning through execution and closure.
• Experience interpreting RF system requirements and designing end-to-end RF test campaigns.
• Hands-on experience planning and executing RF tests across multiple frequency bands.
• Experience selecting, configuring, and calibrating RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters).
• Experience with free-radiating RF testing including antenna range testing and radiation/susceptibility testing.
• Experience establishing RF test calibration processes and ensuring safety of flight/test hardware.
• Experience working on rapid development programs and building test infrastructure in parallel with hardware development.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national or eligible for U.S. work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Own the full RF test campaign lifecycle from requirements to closure.
• Translate RF requirements into comprehensive test strategies and verification approaches.
• Plan and execute RF tests across multiple frequency bands and perform antenna measurements and link margin verification.
• Establish RF test system calibration processes with traceability for safety and flight readiness.
• Develop and approve test plans, procedures, and reports for RF verification activities.
• Lead readiness reviews, briefings, and anomaly investigations for RF campaigns.
• Coordinate test crews, support equipment, and facility configurations for integrated tests.
• Provide status updates to stakeholders and customers.
• Enforce safety policies during RF test planning and operations.

Skills

RF test engineering

RF test campaigns

RF system requirements

Calibration procedures

Test equipment setup

Rapid development

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Signal generators

Power meters

Job description

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface. 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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface. We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth. As an RF test engineering lead, you will own the full RF test strategy for our Lunar Transfer Stage, driving the planning, development, and execution of RF test campaigns that are critical to safe and successful human lunar missions. We are looking for someone to apply their deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time
• During integrated vehicle testing, night and/or weekend work will be required
• Interviews will include a technical assessment
• Because of the need for hands-on work, this position requires on-site work at Lunar Plant 1 in Merritt Island, Florida

Responsibilities

• Own the full RF test campaign lifecycle — from requirements interpretation and test campaign design through execution, data reduction, analysis, and closure
• Interpret RF system and subsystem requirements and translate them into comprehensive test strategies and verification approaches, including selection and configuration of RF test equipment
• Plan and execute functional and performance RF test campaigns across multiple frequency bands, including free-radiating RF compatibility testing such as antenna pattern measurements, link margin verification, and RF interference assessments
• Establish and maintain RF test system calibration processes and traceability to ensure measurement integrity and safety of flight and test hardware
• Develop, review, and approve test plans, test procedures, and test reports for RF verification activities
• Lead test readiness reviews, pre- and post-test briefings, and anomaly investigations for RF test campaigns
• Coordinate test crews, RF test support equipment, facility configurations, and scheduling across integrated test events
• Proactively prepare and communicate status updates within the organization and with direct customers
• Enforce and champion safety policies during all phases of RF test planning and operations, and identify opportunities for safety improvements and cost savings

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in RF test engineering, with demonstrated experience leading RF test campaigns from planning through execution and closure
• Experience interpreting RF system requirements and designing end-to-end RF test campaigns that verify functional and performance compliance
• Hands-on experience planning and executing functional and performance RF tests across multiple frequency bands
• Experience selecting, configuring, and calibrating RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, signal generators, power meters)
• Experience with free-radiating RF compatibility testing, including antenna range testing, co-site interference assessments, and radiated emissions/susceptibility testing
• Experience establishing and maintaining RF test system calibration processes to ensure safety of flight and test hardware protection
• Experience working on rapid development programs, driving process development and test infrastructure build-up in parallel with hardware development
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space vehicle RF system testing, including communications, navigation, ranging, and proximity operations RF systems
• Experience with integrated vehicle RF testing in relevant environments (thermal vacuum, acoustic, EMI/EMC)
• Experience participating in NASA technical reviews, including TRRs and FRRs
• Experience with RF link budget analysis and assessing test data against predicted RF performance margins
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC standards and their application to spaceflight hardware test
• Experience with RF test automation, scripting, or data acquisition and control systems
• Experience with hazardous RF operations, including high-power RF transmitter safety and RF radiation hazard controls

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

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

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.

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.

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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