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Principal Space RF Communications Architect Verified today

Blue Origin · 2 Locations · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-10-20
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Principal Space RF Communications Architect

Blue National Security (BNS) is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of the nation's most critical national security missions. As a Principal Space RF Communications Architect within the 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 from TT&C and crosslinks to mission data links, and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin's national security mission.

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 (e.g., COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR)
  • Partner with the 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

Compensation and Location

Base Pay Range: VA applicants $169,624.00 - $237,473.25; CO applicants $160,618.00 - $224,864.85. Other site ranges may differ.

Relocation assistance is available. Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs.

Additional Information

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

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.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, Education Support Program, stock options for regular employees (20+ hours/week), and up to four weeks paid time off per year plus up to 14 company-paid holidays.