Principal Space RF Communications Architect

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

Blue Origin’s Blue National Security (BNS) business unit designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. As a Principal Space RF Communications Architect in the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will be a senior technical authority defining and driving end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs. You will shape communications systems—including TT&C, crosslinks, and mission data links—and influence programs from concept through execution. The role includes technical leadership, customer engagement, architecture development, and support for competitive pursuits. An active Top Secret security clearance is required; TS//SCI is strongly preferred. Relocation assistance is available, and travel of up to 25% may be required depending on work location and program needs. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee, or asylum eligibility under export control regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
12 or more years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems.
Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C, crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites.
Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems.
Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government customers.
Strong technical communication skills, including presenting complex architectures to technical and executive audiences.
Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts.
Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Active TS//SCI security clearance.
Experience with protected/anti-jam waveforms, LPI/LPD communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems.
Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures such as AEHF, WGS, or SDA Transport Layer.
Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures.
Knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes.
Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs.
Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including TT&C, crosslinks, and mission data links.
Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses of frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations.
Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation, including CONOPS, ICDs, and ADDs.
Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance.
Engage government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization.
Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits.
Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications.
Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements, including COMSEC, TRANSEC, and ITAR.
Partner with Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership to align communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies.

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
Some employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, company results, or other factors; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.