Principal RF Communications Engineer

Blue Origin • Littleton, CO

3d

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 Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs. As part of our RF Communications team, you'll have end-to-end ownership of next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations. This isn't a narrow role — your fingerprints will be on the full subsystem lifecycle, including specifications, procurement, AI&T execution, and mission support. We're looking for a sharp RF engineer with a foundation in satellite communications and systems engineering who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to lead.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification
• Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms
• Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
• Demonstrated leadership of technical teams with emphasis on mentoring junior engineers
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

• 20 or more years of experience with an M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area
• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Experience performing satellite link budget simulations using mission design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK)
• A minimum of 10 years of experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems
• Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
• Proficiency in waveform design, algorithms development (including Matlab/Simulink simulations) or networking.
• Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill

Responsibilities

• Technical authority for RF communications systems - mentor junior engineers, review technical products, sit on and chair reviews, author systems documentation
• Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems — from concept through mission operations — enabling real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations
• Own end-to-end system performance , including link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight
• Design and execute RF test campaigns spanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability
• Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting and selection through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets rigorous mission requirements
• Define and maintain system architecture , including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation communications solutions
• Coordinate critical interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH/payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity
• Own configuration control and documentation , maintaining detailed functional/logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures that keep fast-moving programs on track
• Be in the action — support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations to see your work fly

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