RF Communications Engineer II Verified today
About the Role
As an RF Communications Engineer II on Blue Origin's National Security team, 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. You'll architect mission-critical systems, own system performance across all flight phases, design and execute RF test campaigns, drive procurement strategy, define system architecture, coordinate subsystem interfaces, maintain configuration control, and support hardware integration and launch operations.
Key Responsibilities
- 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/payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity
- Own configuration control and documentation, maintaining detailed functional/logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures that keep fast-moving programs on track
- Support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area
- At least 2+ years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification
- Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms
- Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like 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)
- 2+ 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/Simulink simulations) or networking
- Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill
Compensation and Location
Base pay range: VA applicants $107,136 - $149,990; CO applicants $98,208 - $137,491. Other site ranges may differ. Relocation provided. Travel expected up to 25% of the time.
Clearance and Employment
Top Secret clearance desired. Full-time position. Must be able to obtain and maintain required clearance levels.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
- Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability
- 401(k) with company match of up to 5%
- Education Support Program
- Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week
- Paid time off up to four weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays
- Bonus eligibility based on role type and job level