Principal Microwave Engineer for Space-based Communications

BLUE ORIGIN•Los Angeles, CA

16h

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 the Emerging Systems Business Unit, which will shape the future of our in-space infrastructure capabilities. We are seeking an Principal Microwave Engineer to lead the design and development of next-generation, high-performance phased array RF front-end systems for mission-critical, high-reliability applications in space-based communications. This role will be a key technical contributor and thought leader, driving system architecture from concept through qualification. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in RF circuit theory, extensive experience in phased array front-end design, development and electromagnetic simulation, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where innovation must align with real-world constraints.

Requirements

BS., M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
9+ years of hands-on experience designing and validating phased array antenna systems.
Background designing and testing analog Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs), including frequency conversion, automatic gain control, amplifier design and analog filter design.
Experience designing high-frequency CCAs design/development for space applications.
Understanding of allocating and flowing down requirements from the system to the component level
Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC design or selection for T/R modules for RF front-end development.
Demonstrated expertise with commercial RF simulation tools (ADS, Cadence AWR, HFSS, CST, MATLAB).
Experience integrating RF circuit and phased arrays antenna into systems with environmental constraints such as thermal cycling, radiation, or vibration for space environment.
Strong hands-on experience with microwave testing techniques, including using spectrum analyzers, Real-time Spectrum Analyzers (RSAs), Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) and Performance Network Analyzer (PNAs)

Nice To Haves

Solid understanding of beamforming theory, array calibration, and electromagnetic propagation in complex environments.
Strong academic background that includes courses in: Microwave Engineering, Microwave Systems, Electromagnetic Theory and Radar Systems
Background in space- or flight-qualified hardware and environmental testing protocols.
Experience evaluating third party solutions for integration and or trade vs in-house development.
Publications or patents in the field of phased arrays or antenna systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, simulation, and validation of next generation RF microwave components for advanced phased array antenna applications in microwave and millimeter-wave bands (e.g., X, Ku, Ka).
Architect scalable, phased array antenna RF front-end tailored to platform-specific constraints including size, weight, power, thermal, and environmental factors.
Lead the development of RFIC/MMIC and T/R modules for beamforming architectures—including analog, digital, and hybrid approaches—collaborating closely with antenna and systems engineers to define the complete RF signal chain.
Perform advanced RF circuit/system simulations, using tools like ADS, Cadence AWR, and MATLAB.
Lead the integration and test of component level and system level phased array hardware.
Lead RF front-end modules integration into phased array antenna and support environmental qualification efforts (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation tolerance) for space-capable platforms.
Mentor junior engineers and provide peer review of design artifacts, test plans, and results to ensure technical excellence.
Interface with systems engineering, mechanical, firmware, and program leadership to align technical execution with product goals and timelines.
Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to propose architectural improvements and innovation pathways.

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.

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