Principal Hardware Systems Architect – User Terminal
About The Position
Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Hardware Systems Architect to define and lead the end-to-end architecture of its next-generation satellite user terminal for TeraWave, a satellite communications network intended to provide symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps worldwide. The role owns system-level hardware design spanning RF antenna arrays, high-speed digital processing, power systems, and mechanical integration. The architect will set the technical roadmap, make architectural and component trade-offs, and guide cross-functional engineering toward a high-performance, cost-optimized product suitable for large-scale deployment.
Requirements
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a highly related technical field.
- 10 or more years of hardware engineering experience.
- At least 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 such as PCIe, SerDes, and Ethernet, and RF front-ends.
- Strong background defining layout constraints for massive, multilayer mixed-signal boards, with a focus on strict signal and power integrity and EMI containment.
- Proven track record architecting hardware for high-volume manufacturing, with deep knowledge of DFM/DFA constraints and supply-chain trade-offs.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of the interaction between RF-transparent radome polymers, such as 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 and define user-terminal hardware architecture, power distribution, data pathways, and grounding schemes.
- Evaluate and select critical components, including main SoCs, high-speed transceivers, memory, and peripherals, balancing performance, power efficiency, and bill-of-materials cost.
- Serve as the primary technical connection among RF, Electrical, Mechanical, and Embedded Software teams, resolving multidisciplinary interface challenges.
- Define thermal dissipation strategies and high-voltage power delivery frameworks to support high-power beamforming states.
- Lead hardware development through the product lifecycle, from initial architecture to global, high-volume manufacturing.
- Partner with contract manufacturers and suppliers to optimize assembly yields, execute factory test strategies, and reduce unit costs.
- Establish technical metrics, validation plans, and compliance strategies for international wireless deployment, including FCC Part 25/15 and CE/ETSI.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Short- and long-term disability
- 401(k) with company match of up to 5%
- Education Support Program
- Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
- Paid time off of up to four weeks per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
- Up to 14 company-paid holidays
- Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses tied to individual contributions or company results.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
