Sr. Principal Hardware Systems Architect - User Terminal

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 264,000 - 370,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Hardware Systems Architect to define and lead the end-to-end architecture of our next-generation satellite user terminal. You will own system-level hardware design across RF antenna arrays, high-speed digital processing, power systems, and mechanical integration.

You will drive the technical roadmap, make critical architectural and component trade-offs, and guide a cross-functional engineering team to deliver a high-performance, cost-optimized product at scale.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years hardware engineering with 4+ years as Principal/Lead Architect.
• Phased array antenna physics and digital beamforming knowledge.
• Experience with high-speed buses PCIe/SerDes/Ethernet and RF front-ends.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing and DFM/ DFA constraints.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end system block diagram and hardware architecture.
• Evaluate components balancing performance and BOM cost.
• Coordinate RF, Electrical, Mechanical and Embedded Software teams.
• Define thermal dissipation and high-voltage power frameworks.
• Guide product lifecycle from architecture to mass manufacturing with suppliers.
• Establish metrics, validation plans and compliance for international wireless deployment.

Skills

Hardware engineering

Phased array antennas

Digital beamforming

PCIe/SerDes/Ethernet

RF front-ends

Manufacturing/DFM

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Job description

Application close date:

10/11/2026

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!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

We are seeking a Principal Hardware Systems Architect to define and lead the end-to-end architecture of our next-generation satellite user terminal. In this role, you will own system-level hardware design across RF antenna arrays, high-speed digital processing, power systems, and mechanical integration.

You will drive the technical roadmap, make critical architectural and component trade-offs, and guide a cross-functional engineering team to deliver a high-performance, cost-optimized product at scale.

Core Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end system block diagram, defining the hardware architecture, power distribution, data pathways, and grounding schemes for the user terminal.
• Evaluate and select critical components, including main SoCs, high-speed transceivers, memory, and peripherals, balancing performance, power efficiency, and bill-of-materials (BOM) cost.
• Act as the primary technical anchor connecting RF, Electrical, Mechanical, and Embedded Software teams to resolve multi-disciplinary interface challenges.
• Define the thermal dissipation strategy and high-voltage power delivery frameworks to support high-power beamforming states.
• Drive the hardware through the entire product lifecycle from initial architecture to global, high-volume mass manufacturing, partnering closely with contract manufacturers (CMs) and suppliers to optimize assembly yields, execute factory test strategies, and reduce unit costs.
• Establish the technical metrics, validation plans, and compliance strategies required for international wireless deployment (FCC Part 25/15, CE, ETSI).

Required Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a highly related technical field.
• 10+ years of hardware engineering experience, with 4+ years acting as a Principal Systems Architect or Lead Architect delivering complex wireless, radar, or satellite communication products.
• Deep technical understanding of phased array antenna physics, digital beamforming architectures, high-speed digital buses (PCIe, SerDes, Ethernet), and RF front-ends.
• Strong background in defining layout constraints for massive, multi-layer mixed-signal boards, with a focus on strict signal/power integrity and EMI containment.
• Proven track record of architecting hardware intended for high-volume manufacturing, with deep knowledge of DFM/DFA constraints and supply chain trade-offs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the interaction between RF-transparent radome polymers (like ASA or polycarbonates), hydrophobic coatings, and high-frequency microwave arrays.
• Previous engineering leadership role in a major Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geostationary (GEO) user terminal development program.

Base Pay Range for:

• CA applicants is $264,103.00 - $369,743.85
• WA applicants is $264,103.00 - $369,743.85
• 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 Re