Senior RF Communications Engineer, Blue National Security (BNS)

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

The Senior RF Communications Engineer is part of Blue National Security (BNS), which designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. As a member of the RF Communications team, this engineer owns next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems across their lifecycle, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations. The work spans specifications, procurement, integration, assembly and test (AI&T), and mission support. The role provides technical leadership for mission-critical communications systems supporting telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations. The engineer defines system architecture and performance, verifies requirements, coordinates interfaces with space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal subsystems, and supports integration, vehicle testing, and Launch and Early Operations. Relocation is provided; a Top Secret clearance is desired, and travel is expected up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical subject area.
At least 8 years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification.
Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, and waveforms.
Experience performing electromagnetic simulations using tools such as HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage.
Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Demonstrated technical-team leadership, with an emphasis on mentoring junior engineers.
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 Electrical Engineering or a related technical subject area.
Experience performing satellite link-budget simulations using mission-design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK).
At least 5 years of experience with SATCOM, microwave line-of-sight, or other RF communications systems.
Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
Proficiency in waveform design, algorithm development (including MATLAB/Simulink simulations), or networking.
Experience with DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill.
Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead RF communications system development; mentor junior engineers, review technical products, participate in reviews, and author systems documentation.
Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems from concept through checkout to enable telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations.
Own end-to-end system performance, including link budgets, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight.
Design and execute RF test campaigns in bench, integrated-system, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure interoperability.
Drive procurement strategy, including supplier vetting and selection and ongoing supplier management.
Define and maintain system architecture, including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for communications solutions.
Coordinate interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH and payload subsystems.
Own configuration control and documentation, including functional and logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures.
Support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, and peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early 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 all 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 and company results; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.