RF Communication Engineer III - Blue National Security (Top Secret Clearance required)

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Blue Origin envisions millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The company develops reusable, safe, and low‑cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. This role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, focused on space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit. As a member of the RF Communications team you will have end‑to‑end ownership of next‑generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on‑orbit operations.

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 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, algorithm development (including MATLAB/Simulink simulations) or networking.
• Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill.

Pay

Base Pay Range: For Colorado applicants $119,814.00 – $167,738.55; for Washington applicants $130,706.00 – $182,987.70; other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• 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 for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).
• Paid Time Off: up to four (4) weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Additional benefits and bonuses may be offered based on role type, job level, and company discretion.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies show some people are less likely to apply unless they meet every qualification. Blue Origin is dedicated to building an authentic workplace; if you’re excited about this role but your experience isn’t a perfect match, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

• Relocation provided.
• Top Secret clearance required to start; Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance desired.
• Travel expected up to 30 % of the time.