Senior Reflector/Feed Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN • Seattle, WA

1d • $156,802 - $219,522

About The Position

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. You will lead the design and development of high‑frequency reflector antenna systems that form the core of Blue Origin’s in‑space communication architecture. This role owns the antenna system end‑to‑end—from concept and architecture through analysis, simulation, fabrication, and flight qualification. You will make decisions that directly determine deep‑space and LEO constellation communication performance.

Requirements

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 7+ years RF antenna experience, or M.S./Ph.D. with 5+ years.
• Deep understanding of EM theory applied to reflector geometries and aperture efficiency optimization.
• Demonstrated ownership of a reflector or complex feed‑system program from concept through hardware delivery.
• Proficiency with PO/GTD tools (TICRA/GRASP) and 3D full‑wave solvers (HFSS, CST).
• Experience designing dual‑CP feed systems with strong axial‑ratio and isolation performance.
• Familiarity with 70+ GHz measurement techniques, including far‑field/near‑field testing and waveguide‑band VNA calibration.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in EE with focus on mm‑Wave EM, antennas, or quasi‑optics.
• Experience designing hardware for 71–76 / 81–86 GHz space systems, including thermal‑stability considerations.
• Expertise with OMTs, septum polarizers, corrugated horns, and high‑rejection diplexers.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze reflector surface RMS and feed alignment sensitivities.
• Experience with CNC micro‑milling, diffusion bonding, or additive manufacturing for E‑band components.
• Knowledge of low‑CTE materials (Invar, graphite‑cyanate ester) and their RF behavior across extreme thermal gradients.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and trade studies for high‑gain reflector systems (Cassegrain, Gregorian, Offset‑fed) meeting strict gain, beamwidth, and sidelobe requirements at E‑band.
• Own the mm‑Wave feed chain, including corrugated horns, OMTs, and diplexers supporting dual‑circular polarization for 71–76 GHz (downlink) and 81–86 GHz (uplink).
• Model large‑aperture performance using PO/GTD tools (GRASP/TICRA) and full‑wave solvers (HFSS/CST), optimizing spillover, illumination, and aperture efficiency.
• Perform mechanical and thermal sensitivity analyses on surface RMS error, feed alignment, vertex offsets, and structural deformation.
• Work with Mechanical and Thermal teams to select low‑CTE materials and manufacturing processes that preserve RF performance in space environments.
• Define test plans and lead anechoic‑chamber characterization of flight hardware, focusing on axial ratio, isolation, and high‑frequency gain patterns.
• Interface with specialized E‑band fabrication vendors, ensuring manufacturability and guiding hardware from EM concept to flight‑ready configuration.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior