RF Communication Systems Engineer III

BLUE ORIGIN•Reston, VA

6d•$119,814 - $182,988

About The Position

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), which designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. The RF Communication Systems Engineer III 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 mission concepts of operation. The engineer develops and maintains Ground Data Systems requirements, architectures, interfaces, and verification approaches; supports integration, testing, validation, and production software releases; and helps ensure operability across the Space-Ground System. The position reports to the In-Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead. Travel may be required in support of test and flight operations.

Requirements

B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of technical experience developing Space-to-Ground Communications systems and their ground systems.
At least 5 years of technical experience in the Communications domain across 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, preferably Python.
Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit (STK) simulations with RF link analysis reports.
Experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems.
Experience integrating with ground network providers.
Experience with instrumentation and hardware/software-based ground modems (e.g., Amergint, 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 and 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 those geared toward 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, including 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, such as 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 initiatives to improve Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools.
Analyze operability across the Space-Ground System and support justified improvements.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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 tied to individual contributions, company results, or other factors at the company's discretion.