Principal Hardware Systems Architect – Phased Array User Terminal

BLUE ORIGIN • Seattle, WA

1d • $230,773 - $323,082

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! 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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).

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.

What This Job Offers

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