Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin•Reston, WA

1d•$230,773 - $323,082

About The Position

Blue Origin is developing TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to provide symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps worldwide for enterprise, data center, and government users. The Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer will be a foundational technical leader on a new in-house team developing high-frequency phased array antennas for Blue Origin space vehicles. The engineer will own antenna system design from radiating elements through full arrays and make architectural decisions that support reliable, space-qualified communications hardware. The role centers on antenna theory, electromagnetic simulation, and array design. The engineer will work with DSP and system engineers, as well as RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, mechanical, and thermal teams, to translate mission needs into integrated communication systems. The position also oversees hardware fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification, and includes mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence through design reviews and data analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and 10 or more years of experience in RF antenna design, or a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field and 5 or more years of experience in RF antenna design.
Deep expertise in electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly phased arrays.
Proven experience leading the design of an antenna or phased array system.
Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool, such as HFSS or CST.
Understanding of trade-offs among analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming architectures.
Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering focused on Electromagnetics or Antennas.
Track record of taking a complex antenna system from concept through production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications.
Experience designing and developing high-frequency phased arrays at millimeter-wave frequencies, such as Ka, V, or E-band.
Experience with associated hardware design and development, such as feed networks, polarizers, or waveguides.
Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies and T/R module design considerations.
Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms.
Patents or publications in antenna or phased array design.

Responsibilities

Own significant components of end-to-end design of phased array antennas, from radiating element through full array, for X-, Ku-, and Ka-band microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
Define system-level RF architectures and lead trade studies among analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming approaches while accounting for platform constraints such as size, weight, power, and thermal limits.
Guide and perform electromagnetic simulations using tools such as HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize array performance, scan volume, and impedance matching.
Collaborate with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure cohesive system design.
Oversee antenna hardware fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification, including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and radiation testing.
Mentor engineers and promote technical excellence through rigorous design reviews and data analysis.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and 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.
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, possible benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions or other company factors; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.