Reflector/Feed Antenna Engineer - TeraWave Verified today

About TeraWave

Blue Origin is pioneering space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network delivering symmetrical data speeds up to 6 Tbps. This multi-orbit constellation consists of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity worldwide.

Role

You will design, develop, and optimize high-frequency reflector antenna systems for next-generation space communications platforms. You will work at the intersection of electromagnetics, RF engineering, mechanical design, and aerospace systems, developing high-performance antenna solutions that deliver exceptional gain, efficiency, and reliability in demanding space environments.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-gain reflector antenna systems, including Cassegrain, Gregorian, and offset-fed architectures, to meet stringent gain, beamwidth, sidelobe, and polarization requirements at E-band frequencies.
• Design and optimize mm-Wave feed systems, including corrugated horns, orthomode transducers (OMTs), diplexers, and dual-circularly polarized feed chains supporting 71-76 GHz downlink and 81-86 GHz uplink operation.
• Perform electromagnetic modeling and simulation using physical optics, geometrical theory of diffraction, and full-wave analysis tools to optimize aperture efficiency, illumination taper, spillover performance, and antenna gain.
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and RF sensitivity analyses to evaluate the effects of surface RMS error, feed misalignment, structural deformation, and thermal distortion on antenna performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to select materials, fabrication processes, and structural architectures that preserve RF performance throughout launch and space operations.
• Develop antenna verification plans and support laboratory and anechoic chamber testing, including gain, pattern, polarization purity, axial ratio, isolation, and near-field/far-field characterization.
• Support hardware development from initial concept through fabrication, integration, qualification, and flight readiness while coordinating with external vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Contribute to system-level architecture trade studies and communications link budget analysis to ensure antenna designs satisfy mission requirements and network performance objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in antenna, RF, microwave, or electromagnetic systems engineering.
• Experience designing, analyzing, and testing reflector antenna systems and associated feed architectures.
• Proficiency with electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or TICRA GRASP.
• Strong understanding of antenna theory, electromagnetics, polarization, and RF measurement techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on antennas, electromagnetics, or microwave engineering.
• Experience with mm-Wave or E-band antenna systems.
• Experience designing feed components such as corrugated horns, OMTs, polarizers, or waveguide structures.
• Familiarity with antenna testing in anechoic chamber environments, including near-field and far-field measurements.
• Experience developing hardware for aerospace, satellite communications, or other high-reliability systems.

Compensation

Base pay range: $164,652 to $230,512.80 (CA and WA applicants). Other site ranges may differ. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, education support, stock options, and up to 4 weeks paid time off plus 14 company-paid holidays.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum. Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions.