RF Communication Systems Engineer II

BLUE ORIGIN•Reston, VA

4d•$107,136 - $149,990

About The Position

This position is part of Blue National Security (BNS), which designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Reporting to the In-Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead, the RF Communication Systems Engineer II works with Ground System, Software, Mission Systems, and Flight Operations Engineers to develop, test, and deploy RF and communications capabilities across space and ground systems throughout the system lifecycle. The role owns and maintains technical capabilities essential to spacecraft space-to-ground operations across a range of concepts of operations. It calls for creative problem-solving, persistence, technical competence, personal leadership, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related technical field.
At least 3 years of technical experience developing space-to-ground communications systems and their ground systems.
At least 3 years of technical experience in communications spanning the complete OSI stack, including transport protocols and standards such as CCSDS, and application protocol definition.
Experience developing communications link budgets to predict link closure and data rates.
Proficiency with communications standards and protocols, including modulation formats and channel coding (e.g., DVB-S2/X and Ka/S/X bands).
Experience with ranging systems, including CCSDS regenerative and transparent ranging and PN ranging codes.
Experience with Type 1 encryption and other secure communications technologies.
Experience with computer networking concepts such as TCP/IP and DNS.
Proficiency in a scripting language, preferably Python.
Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit (STK) simulations with RF link analysis reports.
Experience with SATCOM, microwave line-of-sight, or other RF communications systems.
Experience integrating with ground network providers.
Experience with instrumentation and hardware- or software-based ground modems, such as Amergint or Kratos.
Experience in a complex system lifecycle, including requirements definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Ability to travel in support of test and flight operations.
Ability to earn trust and maintain positive, professional relationships.
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

Master’s degree in a related technical field.
Experience in space communications systems, particularly systems for Lunar, CisLunar, or deep-space missions.
Experience working on large, complex programs with multiple partners.
First-principles knowledge of major spacecraft subsystems, including Avionics, TT&C, and/or RF Communications.
Experience with requirements management tools, preferably DOORS Next Generation.
Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA, and version control such as Git.
Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill.

Responsibilities

Identify, derive, develop, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements, including traceability and verification and validation approaches.
Collaborate with engineers working on flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration & Test, and with external vendors and ground station providers.
Develop and refine ground data system and communications architectures to address a broad set of mission requirements.
Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents, including Space Vehicle to Ground Network interfaces.
Plan, perform, and document verification and validation of Ground Data Systems requirements.
Plan and perform frequent Ground Data Systems product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to production software releases.
Support efforts to improve Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools.
Analyze operability across the Space-Ground System and support justified operability improvements.
Travel in support of test and flight operations.

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.
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 based on individual contributions or company results; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.