Systems Engineer III (RF / Microwave Systems)

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 131,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Blue Origin in Washington state seeks a Systems Engineer III (RF/Microwave) to develop system-level requirements for advanced space-based sensing. You will collaborate with payload, spacecraft, ground systems, and mission operations teams to ensure end-to-end coherence in a mission-focused environment.

The role supports the Blue National Security unit and includes opportunities to work on phased array and UHF antenna systems, with travel up to 10% and an active TS//SCI clearance required prior

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related.
• 5+ years in aerospace, defense, or national security systems engineering.
• Experience with UHF-band antenna design in space/airborne environments.
• Experience with phased array antennas (ESAs) at UHF frequencies.
• RF performance analysis including link budgets.
• Experience with DOORS or Jama requirements tools.
• Knowledge of NASA/DoD SE frameworks.
• US citizenship or eligibility; TS//SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level requirements for space-based sensing.
• Perform system architecture trade studies and analyses.
• Prepare and review Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), System Requirements Documents (SRDs), ICDs, and SEMP.
• Collaborate with payload, spacecraft, ground systems, and mission operations teams.
• Support design reviews and R&D program milestones.
• Perform link budget analyses and RF system assessments.
• Study UHF-band antenna design including aperture sizing, beam pattern, polarization, and gain/noise in space environment.
• Evaluate antenna integration trades including deployable structures and phased arrays.
• Engage with government customers to translate needs into actionable requirements.
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and TPM tracking.

Skills

UHF-band antenna design

Phased array antennas

RF system performance analysis

Requirements management

TS//SCI clearance

US citizenship or eligible

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Aerospace Engineering or Physics

Tools

DOORS

Jama

Job description

Application 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. Systems Engineer III (RF/Microwave Systems) Blue National Security | Special Programs | Mission Engineering & Architecture The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space-based capabilities in support of national security missions. Within the Special Programs organization, this team operates at the forefront of mission engineering and architecture, developing next-generation space systems that address the most demanding and consequential challenges in the defense domain.

Special Mentions Relocation assistance is available for this position

This role may be performed from any of Blue Origin's primary U.S. locations, including but not limited to: Kent, WA; Denver, CO; Huntsville, AL; Reston, VA; Los Angeles, CA. Travel expectation: up to 10%. This is an individual contributor role. An active TS//SCI security clearance is required prior to start.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain system-level requirements for advanced space-based sensing systems, ensuring traceability from mission objectives through subsystem specifications
• Conduct system architecture trade studies and analyses to evaluate design alternatives, performance margins, and technical feasibility
• Author and review key systems engineering artifacts including Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including payload, spacecraft, ground systems, and mission operations to ensure end-to‑end system coherence
• Support design reviews and provide technical inputs to R&D program milestones
• Perform link budget analyses and RF system performance assessments relevant to space-based sensing architectures
• Study the design, analyze, and optimize UHF-band antenna systems, including aperture sizing, beam pattern characterization, polarization, and gain/noise performance in the space environment
• Evaluate antenna integration trades including deployable structures, phased array configurations, and feed network design at UHF frequencies
• Engage with government customers and mission partners to understand operational needs and translate them into actionable system requirements
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and technical performance measurement (TPM) tracking throughout the program lifecycle

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain
• Demonstrated experience with UHF-band antenna design, including analysis of antenna performance parameters (gain, beamwidth, polarization, impedance matching) in space or airborne environments
• Experience with phased array antenna systems, including electronically steered arrays (ESAs) at UHF frequencies
• Proficiency in RF system performance analysis, including link budgets and system noise figure calculations
• Experience developing and managing system‑level requirements using requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and standards (e.g., NASA/DoD SE frameworks, MIL-STD-499, or equivalent)
• Experience with space‑based RF sensing or surveillance system architectures
• Familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) signal processing concepts and their implications on system design
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical documentation and present to different audiences
• Active TS//SCI security clearance
• 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

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with radar system performance modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or custom simulation environments)
• Familiarity with space environment effects on RF systems, including ionospheric propagation, Faraday rotation, and thermal cycling impacts on antenna structures
• Prior experience working within a Special Programs or classified program environment
• Experience interfacing with DoD or Intelligence Community (IC) customers

Base Pay Range for:

• CA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70
• CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55
• WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70
• VA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70
• 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

• 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. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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.