Microwave Test Engineer III for Space-based Communications - TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN • Los Angeles, CA

23h

About The Position

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 TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. We are seeking a Test Engineer III to architect and lead the testing of advanced phased-array RF front-end systems designed for mission-critical, high-reliability space-based communications. This position will be a key technical contributor, responsible for driving validation strategy and execution from concept development through final qualification. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in testing RF units, including active phased arrays, using common RF test equipment, developing and automating test procedures, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where innovation must align with real-world constraints.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna testing or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 3+ years of experience in RF antenna design.
• Strong background in RF test procedure development and execution
• Extensive experience with RF test equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, power meters and network analyzers
• Knowledge of RF calibration techniques (SOLT, TRL, etc.)
• Experience to automate test processes using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Extensive experience in characterizing RF units, such as Power Amplifiers and Low Noise Amplifiers
• Experience with environmental testing needs and standards
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, etc.)
• Experience in aerospace, satellite, defense, or telecommunications industries
• Understanding of EMI/EMC testing
• Experience with RF hardware development and hardware troubleshooting and debugging
• Experience with aerospace, defense, or wireless communication systems

Responsibilities

• Plan, write, and execute test plans and procedures for phased array antennas and RF subsystems
• Work with benchtop test sets to evaluate prototype RF devices and flight hardware units
• Be the driving force in developing, optimizing, and standardizing automated test suites geared towards high volume production
• Own test related issues and work towards expedient resolutions
• Provide inputs on testability of phased array designs
• Review subcontractor test plans and programs for RF units to be used in payload
• Assist in building out RF test labs and provide input to test capabilities needed at production sites
• Interact with vendors as part of lab build out and hardware development

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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level