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Principal Space RF Communications Architect Verified today

Blue Origin · 4 Locations · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-09-03
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About the Role

As Principal Space RF Communications Architect within Blue Origin's Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining and driving end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation space systems and influence program direction from concept through execution.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), crosslinks, and mission data links
  • Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations
  • Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs)
  • Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance
  • Engage with government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization
  • Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits
  • Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications
  • Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements (COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR)
  • Partner with Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
  • 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems
  • Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C, crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
  • Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems
  • Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government customers
  • Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences
  • Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts
  • Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
  • Active TS//SCI security clearance
  • Experience with protected/anti-jam waveforms, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems
  • Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer)
  • Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures
  • Knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes
  • Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs
  • Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities

Locations and Travel

  • Preferred Location: Kent, WA (Seattle area)
  • Also considering: Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; or Reston, VA offices
  • Relocation assistance available for Kent, WA area
  • Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs

Compensation

Base Pay Range:

  • WA, CA, VA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
  • CO applicants: $160,618.00 - $224,864.85

Other site ranges may differ.

Security Clearance

An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is required. TS//SCI is strongly preferred.

Employment Requirements

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin 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.