Senior RF Systems Engineer

Blue Origin • Denver, WA

20h • Hybrid

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! The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing on-orbit mobility. As a Sr. RF Systems Engineer within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority across a portfolio of civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs. Working closely with the Chief Communications Architect, you will lead the development of spacecraft communications architectures — driving strategy from concept through system-level requirements definition and flow-down to spacecraft development teams. This is a high-impact, highly visible role at the intersection of mission engineering and cutting-edge RF communications technology, where your expertise will directly shape the future of how spacecraft communicate across Earth orbit, cislunar space, and beyond. We are looking for someone to apply their deep technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and passion for space to positively impact our mission of Millions of People Living and Working in Space for the Benefit of Earth. Passion for our mission and vision is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering , or a closely related technical field
• 8+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in RF systems engineering, including design, analysis, integration, and/or test of spacecraft communications systems
• Demonstrated experience leading the development of RF link budgets and performing end-to-end communications system analysis
• Deep working knowledge of spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures , including transmitters, receivers, transponders, and associated ground station equipment
• Proven experience defining and flowing down system-level RF specifications to hardware development teams
• Strong familiarity with RF communications standards and protocols relevant to space applications (e.g., CCSDS )
• Demonstrated ability to lead system-level trade studies and communicate complex technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong record of contributing to technical documentation, design reviews, and proposal efforts
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance — 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

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering , or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft RF communications systems engineering
• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance
• Demonstrated experience leading RF architecture development for National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated requirements and constraints
• 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 in 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
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC design principles and testing methodologies for spaceflight hardware
• Experience with environmental qualification of RF hardware (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC)
• Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to government or commercial proposal efforts , including technical writing, basis of estimate development, and RF architecture inputs for new business capture
• Proven ability to operate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Communications Architect to lead the development of end-to-end RF communications system architectures for spacecraft across civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs
• Serve as a senior technical resource on RF communications topics, providing guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers across the organization
• Develop, own, and maintain RF link budgets for space-to-ground and crosslink communications across a wide range of mission profiles and orbital regimes
• Define, develop, and lead the flow-down of system-level RF specifications to spacecraft development teams for design, integration, and delivery
• Lead design and testing of spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems and mission data systems
• Drive RF systems analysis and trade studies , including modulation schemes, frequency band selection, antenna coverage, and link margin optimization, and present findings to senior leadership and stakeholders
• Lead requirements definition, traceability, and verification strategies across the RF communications subsystem lifecycle
• Conduct advanced performance analysis for missions spanning Earth-centered orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) as well as deep space environments including cislunar and Mars
• Serve as a primary RF communications interface with internal spacecraft development teams and external partners, ensuring designs meet mission requirements
• Lead and contribute to technical reviews as a subject matter expert on RF communications
• Drive and support proposal development and new business capture activities, including technical writing, architecture inputs, and basis of estimate development
• Identify and champion the adoption of emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in spacecraft RF communications

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