Senior Deep-Space RF Communications Architect

Blue Origin LLC

Littleton (CO)

On-site

USD 161,000 - 225,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect to define end-to-end RF architectures for Mars and cislunar missions, shaping TT&C, proximity links, relays, and data links. You will interact with mission engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure seamless deep-space communications across the mission lifecycle.

The role requires expertise in RF link budgets, high-gain antennas, and CCSDS/LunaNet standards, with strong communication skills and leadership to

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering or closely related disciplines, with a proven track record in space-segment communications
Experience designing, developing, and integrating TT&C, proximity link, relay crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
Proven expertise in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation and coding techniques, and antenna system architecture
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, or permanent resident; TS//SCI preferred

Responsibilities

Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications programs, including TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, and mission data links
Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate deep space frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, and high-gain antenna configurations
Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges
Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including CONOPS, ICDs, ADDs aligned with NASA LunaNet, Moon-to-Mars (M2M), and CCSDS interoperability standards
Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility
Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure seamless integration, verification, and operation of deep space communications systems
Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput
Engage with government customers, program offices, commercial partners, and international stakeholders to capture requirements and influence program direction
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers
Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers
Identify and assess emerging RF and optical communications technologies and spectrum coordination frameworks
Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking protocols for interplanetary communications
Ensure compliance with deep space spectrum regulations and ITAR
Partner with leadership to align deep space architectures with broader mission strategies