RF Communication Engineer III - Blue National Security (Top Secret Clearance required) Verified today
About the role
As an RF Communication Engineer III in Blue Origin's In-Space Systems business unit, you'll have end-to-end ownership of next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems. Your work spans analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations, with full visibility across the subsystem lifecycle including specifications, procurement, integration and test execution, and mission support.
What you'll do
- Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems from concept through checkout, enabling real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations
- Own end-to-end system performance, including link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight
- Design and execute RF test campaigns spanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability
- Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting and selection through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets rigorous mission requirements
- Define and maintain system architecture, including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation communications solutions
- Coordinate critical interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH and payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity
- Own configuration control and documentation, maintaining detailed functional and logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures for fast-moving programs
- Support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during launch and early operations to see your work fly
Minimum qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical subject area
- At least 4+ years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification
- Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, and waveforms
- Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools such as HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage
- Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
- 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
Preferred qualifications
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering or related technical subject area
- Experience performing satellite link budget simulations using mission design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK)
- 3+ years of experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems
- Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing
- Proficiency in waveform design, algorithms development (including MATLAB and Simulink simulations), or networking
- Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill
Compensation and benefits
Compensation range for Washington applicants: $130,706.00 to $182,987.70 (other site ranges may differ).
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%, and an Education Support Program. Stock options available for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week. Paid time off up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company-paid holidays. Bonuses and additional eligibility may apply based on role type and job level.
Additional information
- Top Secret clearance required to start
- Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance desired
- Travel expected up to 10% of the time
- Relocation provided