RF Systems Engineer III

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

1d•$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. Within the Advanced Capabilities organization, the RF Systems Engineer III supports a broad portfolio of civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs. Working closely with the Chief Communications Architect, the engineer helps shape spacecraft communications from early architecture development through system-level requirements definition and flow-down to spacecraft development teams. The position works at the intersection of mission engineering and RF communications technology and supports spacecraft across Earth-centered orbits as well as deep-space environments, including cislunar and Mars missions. Relocation assistance is available for qualifying candidates. Travel is expected to be less than 25%. Applicants must meet the stated U.S. citizenship or immigration-status requirements. An active Top Secret clearance or ability to obtain one is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
At least 5 years of hands-on RF systems engineering experience, including design, analysis, integration, and/or test of spacecraft communications systems.
Demonstrated experience developing RF link budgets and performing end-to-end communications system analysis.
Working knowledge of spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures, including transmitters, receivers, transponders, and associated ground-station equipment.
Experience developing and flowing down system-level RF specifications to hardware development teams.
Familiarity with RF communications standards and protocols relevant to space applications, such as CCSDS.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to perform system-level trade studies and communicate results to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical documentation and design reviews.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Must pass Blue's Standard Background Check.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a related field.
At least 7 years of experience in spacecraft RF communications systems engineering.
Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance or ability to obtain one.
Experience with deep-space communications systems, including cislunar and/or Mars mission architectures.
Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) or commercial ground-network interfaces and operational concepts.
Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and digital signal-processing techniques.
Proficiency with RF analysis and simulation tools such as STK, MATLAB, or Python.
Background in antenna systems design, including phased arrays, high-gain antennas, and omnidirectional coverage analysis.
Experience supporting National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated requirements and constraints.
Knowledge of EMI/EMC design principles and testing methodologies for spaceflight hardware.
Experience with environmental qualification of RF hardware, including thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.
Experience contributing to government or commercial proposals, including technical writing, basis-of-estimate development, and RF architecture inputs for new-business capture.
Demonstrated ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Chief Communications Architect to develop end-to-end RF communications system architectures for spacecraft across civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs.
Develop and maintain initial RF link budgets for space-to-ground and crosslink communications across mission profiles and orbital regimes.
Define and develop system-level RF specifications and flow them down to spacecraft development teams for design, integration, and delivery.
Design and support testing of spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems and mission data systems.
Perform RF systems analysis and trade studies, including modulation schemes, frequency band selection, antenna coverage, and link-margin optimization.
Support requirements definition, traceability, and verification across the RF communications subsystem lifecycle.
Conduct performance analysis for missions spanning LEO, MEO, GEO, cislunar, and Mars environments.
Engage with internal spacecraft development teams and external partners to ensure RF system designs meet mission requirements.
Contribute to technical reviews and provide subject-matter expertise on RF communications topics.
Support proposal development and new-business capture activities across the business unit.
Stay current with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in spacecraft RF communications.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
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, company results, or other factors. Eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed and may change or be canceled.
Relocation assistance is available for candidates who qualify.