Senior RF Communications Engineer, Blue National Security (BNS)

Blue Origin LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Relocation provided

Travel" up to 25%

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a Senior RF Communications Engineer within Blue National Security. You will own end-to-end RF systems for next-gen spacecraft, lead technical reviews, and drive RF tests from concept to on-orbit validation.

The role requires 8+ years in avionics and satellite communications, strong link-budget expertise, and leadership experience. Occasional travel up to 25% and relocation are supported.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related technical subject.
• 8+ years in avionics and communications systems development and verification.
• Knowledge of RF systems, antennas, waveforms and link budgets.
• Experience with EM simulations and antenna optimization.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Technical lead for RF communications systems and reviews.
• Architect and deploy mission-critical RF systems for telemetry and data flows.
• Own end-to-end system performance across flight phases.
• Design and execute RF test campaigns from bench to field.
• Drive supplier vetting and procurement for mission requirements.
• Coordinate interfaces across space relay, ground stations, and subsystems.
• Maintain configuration control and detailed documentation.

Skills

RF communications

Link budget

EM simulations

Leadership

Mentoring

Satellite communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

HFSS

CST

TICRA

STK

DOORS Next Gen

Cameo

Confluence

JIRA

Git

Creo

Windchill

Job description

## Senior RF Communications Engineer, Blue National Security (BNS)Apply: Greater Seattle Area: Phoenix, AZ: Huntsville, AL: Denver, CO: Los Angeles, CA: Full time: Posted Today: R71734Application 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.As part of our RF Communications team, you'll have end-to-end ownership of next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations. This isn't a narrow role — your fingerprints will be on the full subsystem lifecycle, including specifications, procurement, AI&T execution, and mission support. We're looking for a sharp RF engineer with a foundation in satellite communications and systems engineering who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to lead.**Special Mentions:*** Relocation provided* Top Secret clearance desired* Travel expected up to 25% of the time**Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:*** **Technical lead for RF communications systems** - mentor junior engineers, review technical products, sit on reviews, author systems documentation* **Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems** — from concept through checkout — enabling real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations* **Own end-to-end system performance**, including link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight* **Design and execute RF test campaigns** spanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability* **Drive procurement strategy** from supplier vetting and selection through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets rigorous mission requirements* **Define and maintain system architecture**, including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation communications solutions* **Coordinate critical interfaces** across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH/payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity* **Own configuration control and documentation**, maintaining detailed functional/logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures that keep fast-moving programs on track* **Be in the action** — support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations to see your work fly**Minimum Qualifications*** B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area* A minimum of 8 years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification* Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms* Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage* Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills* Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment* Demonstrated leadership of technical teams with emphasis on mentoring junior engineers* 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*** M.S. in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area* Experience performing satellite link budget simulations using mission design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK)* A minimum of 5 years of experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems* Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.* Proficiency in waveform design, algorithms development (including Matlab/Simulink simulations) or networking.* Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill### Base Pay Range for:CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55**Other site ranges may differ** **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.