RF Communication Systems Engineer II

Blue Origin•Reston, VA

About The Position

Blue Origin’s Blue National Security organization designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. This role supports Blue Ring and other spacecraft programs, working closely with Ground System, Software, Mission Systems, and Flight Operations Engineers. The engineer performs RF communications and Ground Data Systems development, testing, and deployment across space and ground boundaries throughout the system lifecycle, and owns and maintains technical capabilities essential to spacecraft space-to-ground operations. The position reports to the In-Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead. It involves developing communications architectures and interfaces, managing requirements and verification, integrating and validating ground-system products, and supporting operability across the Space-Ground System. The work is conducted in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and travel may be required in support of testing and flight operations. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship, permanent-residency, or protected-status eligibility requirement.

Requirements

B.S. 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 communication 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 communication technologies.
Experience with computer networking concepts such as TCP/IP and DNS.
Proficiency in a scripting language; Python is preferred.
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 requirement definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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

M.S. in a related technical field.
Experience in space communication systems, particularly 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 multidisciplinary teams representing flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration & Test, external vendors, and ground station providers.
Develop and refine ground data system and communications architectures across mission requirements.
Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents, including Space Vehicle to Ground Network interfaces.
Plan, perform, and document requirement verification and validation for Ground Data Systems.
Plan and perform Ground Data Systems product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to production software releases.
Support improvements to Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering 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 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
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, based on scheduled weekly 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 and company results or other factors.