mmWave IC Design Engineer - TeraWave

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

We are seeking an mmWave IC Design Engineer to drive the development of state-of-the-art RF/mmWave integrated chips. In this role, you will design cutting-edge integrated front-end circuits such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, variable-gain amplifiers, mixers, multipliers, and synthesizers at RF/mmWave frequencies, primarily in advanced silicon technologies. Your innovation will be critical in realizing system architectures for next-generation communication networks.

Special Mentions: Relocation provided. Travel expected up to 10% of the time. Interviews will include a technical assessment. This role will be based onsite in San Diego, CA; the Bay Area, CA; or Renton, WA. A temporary remote work exception is approved while our Bay Area and San Diego sites are being developed.

Responsibilities

• Design state-of-the-art RF/mmWave front-end chipsets, including power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, variable-gain amplifiers, mixers, multipliers, and synthesizers.
• Partner with RF system engineers to run feasibility studies and architect RF/mmWave transmitter and receiver front-ends, translating system-level requirements into chip-level specifications.
• Design and simulate on-chip electromagnetic (EM) structures and collaborate with the package engineering team on co-optimization of IC/package interfaces.
• Supervise chip-level front-end integration and optimization throughout the development lifecycle and ensure successful production.
• Work with third-party design partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in millimeter-wave/RFIC design using SiGe, CMOS, and SOI technologies, with successful completion of multiple product lifecycles for high-volume chipsets.
• Strong experience with various circuit topologies for amplifiers, mixers, switches, and synthesizers, specifically at mmWave frequencies with fully integrated on-chip implementations.
• Proven expertise in the analysis and optimization of transmitter and receiver front-ends for complex modulated waveforms, including practical modeling and circuit simulations of TX/RX chains with time-sampled waveforms.
• Hands-on experience in mmWave IC characterization and debugging.
• Experience with analog building blocks such as operational amplifiers, bias generators, temperature sensors, LDOs, and ADC/DAC implementations.
• Proficiency in EM simulations for both on-chip and package components.
• Prior experience with top-level integration, including ESD, mixed-signal/mixed-mode verification, and DFM concepts.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with beamforming front-ends and phased array implementations.
• Experience in high-performance IC development using III-V technologies (e.g., GaAs, GaN).
• Strategic mindset and strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and drive complex projects to completion.
• Experience mentoring early-career engineers.

Pay

Base pay range for CA and WA applicants: $230,398.00 - $322,556.85. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with a 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 (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for additional benefits and bonuses.