RF Systems Engineer III

About the role

This role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit and the Blue National Security business unit, focused on space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. As an RF Systems Engineer III within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will support a broad portfolio of civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs. Working closely with the Chief Communications Architect, you will help shape the future of spacecraft communications — from early-stage architecture development through system-level requirements definition and flow-down to spacecraft development teams. This is a high-impact, highly visible role at the intersection of mission engineering and cutting-edge RF communications technology.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chief Communications Architect to develop end-to-end RF communications system architectures for spacecraft across civil, commercial, and National Security Space programs
• Develop and maintain initial RF link budgets for space-to-ground and crosslink communications across a range of mission profiles and orbital regimes
• Define and develop system-level RF specifications and flow them down to spacecraft development teams for further design, integration, and delivery
• Design and support testing of spacecraft Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems and mission data systems
• Perform RF systems analysis and trade studies, including modulation schemes, frequency band selection, antenna coverage, and link margin optimization
• Support requirements definition, traceability, and verification across the RF communications subsystem lifecycle
• Conduct performance analysis for missions spanning Earth-centered orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) as well as deep space environments including cislunar and Mars
• Engage with internal spacecraft development teams and external partners to ensure RF system designs meet mission requirements
• Contribute to technical reviews and provide subject matter expertise on RF communications topics
• Support proposal development and new business capture activities across the business unit
• Stay current with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in spacecraft RF communications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or a closely related technical field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in RF systems engineering, including design, analysis, integration, and/or test of spacecraft communications systems
• Demonstrated experience developing RF link budgets and performing end-to-end communications system analysis
• Working knowledge of spacecraft TT&C subsystem architectures, including transmitters, receivers, transponders, and associated ground station equipment
• Experience developing and flowing down system-level RF specifications to hardware development teams
• Familiarity with RF communications standards and protocols relevant to space applications (e.g., CCSDS)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform system-level trade studies and communicate results clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical documentation and design reviews

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in spacecraft RF communications systems engineering
• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance or the ability to obtain one
• Experience with deep space communications systems, including cislunar and/or Mars mission architectures
• Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) or commercial ground network interfaces and operational concepts
• Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) platforms and digital signal processing techniques
• Proficiency in RF analysis and simulation tools such as STK, MATLAB, or Python
• Background in antenna systems design, including phased arrays, high-gain antennas, and omnidirectional coverage analysis
• Experience supporting National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated requirements and constraints
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC design principles and testing methodologies for spaceflight hardware
• Experience with environmental qualification of RF hardware (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC)
• Experience contributing to government or commercial proposal efforts, including technical writing, basis of estimate development, and RF architecture inputs for new business capture
• Demonstrated ability to work across multi-disciplinary teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Pay

• CA applicants: $130,706.00 – $182,987.70
• CO applicants: $119,814.00 – $167,738.55
• WA 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 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 benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion (bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation)

Schedule

This position is based out of Seattle, WA or any of Blue Origin's major locations. Relocation assistance is available for candidates who qualify. Travel expectation: less than 25%.