Sr. TT&C Communication System Engineer- TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN • Los Angeles, CA

3d

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! - We are seeking a Senior Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Communications System Engineer to lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of spacecraft TT&C communication systems. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable end-to-end communications between spacecraft and ground systems across all mission phases, from launch through on-orbit operations. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in RF systems, satellite communications architecture, and system-of-systems engineering, with a strong track record of delivering mission-critical space communication solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 8–12+ years of experience in satellite communications, RF engineering, or space systems engineering
• Strong expertise in TT&C system design and satellite communications link analysis
• Hands-on experience with RF system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or equivalent)
• Solid understanding of modulation schemes, coding, synchronization, and Doppler effects in space links
• Experience with S-band, X-band, and/or Ka-band communication systems
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and ground segment architectures
• Strong analytical, debugging, and system-level problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience with operational satellite missions or spacecraft commissioning
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards and space communication protocols
• Experience with phased array antennas, adaptive beamforming, or advanced RF systems
• Knowledge of spectrum management and international regulatory frameworks (ITU, FCC)
• Programming/scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and analysis
• Experience working in high-reliability or mission-critical aerospace environments
• Prior technical leadership or systems engineering ownership experience

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end system design of TT&C communication architectures for space missions
• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering team comprising RF, antenna, and DSP engineers to deliver integrated communication solutions
• Develop and maintain RF link budgets across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, nominal operations)
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance specifications for TT&C subsystems
• Integrate spacecraft communication systems with ground stations, antennas, modems, and network infrastructure
• Perform system-level analysis including signal integrity, link availability, and margin assessments
• Ensure robust command uplink and telemetry downlink performance under varying orbital and environmental conditions
• Support spacecraft integration, testing, validation, and launch readiness activities
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF and communications anomalies during testing and operations
• Coordinate with RF, flight dynamics, avionics, payload, and mission operations teams
• Support regulatory compliance activities (frequency allocation, licensing, ITU/FCC coordination)
• Lead technical reviews, design audits, and verification/validation campaigns
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and contribute to team technical growth

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.
• 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: Mid Level