Sr. Principal Space-Based RF Communications Architect - Interplanetary Communications

Application close date:

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!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates
• Position may require up to 20% travel for integration testing, partner collaboration meetings, and mission operations
• 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

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced interplanetary RF communications architectures, serving as the primary technical authority for these mission-critical systems
• Architect and oversee the development of long-distance, high-reliability communications systems capable of maintaining robust links between Earth and deep space destinations, including RF and/or optical frequencies
• Design and implement advanced communications relay networks to support assets throughout the solar system, including orbiters, landers, and future human exploration infrastructure
• Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
• Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
• Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
• Collaborate with NASA/JPL and international partners on communications standards and protocols for interplanetary mission interoperability
• Drive innovation in spectrum utilization, modulation schemes, and coding techniques to maximize data return from deep space missions
• Lead technical reviews and design validation activities for interplanetary communications subsystems
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including spacecraft design, power systems, and flight software to ensure seamless integration of communications systems
• Develop contingency communications modes and fault recovery strategies for mission-critical operations
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to the interplanetary communications engineering team
• Represent Blue Origin in technical forums related to deep space communications and planetary exploration

Additional RF Communications Responsibilities:

• Support the development of near-Earth RF communications systems for Blue Origin's broader space infrastructure, including LEO, MEO, and GEO applications
• Advise on the design of advanced phased array antenna systems for high-throughput satellite communications across multiple frequency bands
• Develop cross-link communications capabilities between spacecraft in various orbital regimes to establish robust space-based networks
• Contribute technical expertise to Blue Origin's lunar communications architecture, including surface-to-orbit relay systems
• Oversee the integration of software-defined radio technologies across multiple mission profiles to maximize flexibility and upgradeability
• Lead efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures for space-based communications systems
• Develop RF communications solutions for formation flying spacecraft and distributed sensor networks
• Support the evaluation and integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) communications components where appropriate to optimize cost and schedule
• Contribute to the development of emergency communications protocols and backup systems for crewed missions
• Collaborate with ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications architecture compatibility
• Provide technical guidance on RF spectrum management and regulatory compliance across multiple mission types
• Support proposal development and customer presentations for new business opportunities related to space communications systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related technical field; PhD preferred
• 12+ years of experience in RF communications engineering with at least 8 years focused on deep space communications or interplanetary missions
• Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft communications subsystem design for deep space applications
• Extensive experience with digital modulation schemes optimized for low signal-to-noise environments, including advanced error correction coding techniques
• Proven track record leading the development of space-qualified RF hardware and systems for long-duration missions
• Experience with radiation-hardened components and design techniques for interplanetary space environments
• Strong understanding of deep space link budget analysis, accounting for extreme distances, planetary occultations, and solar interference
• Experience with high-gain antenna systems, including design, pointing requirements, and performance optimization
• Knowledge of relevant deep space communications standards and protocols (CCSDS, etc.)
• Experience with systems engineering processes for mission-critical space systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related technical field
• 15+ years of experience in deep space communications systems
• Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
• Knowledge of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols and implementation
• Experience with X-band, Ka-band, and optical communications technologies for deep space applications
• Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) capabilities and interfaces
• Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
• Knowledge of spectrum allocation and regulatory compliance for deep space communications
• Experience with communications relay architectures for planetary surface-to-orbit links
• Track record of innovation in deep space communications demonstrated through patents or published technical papers
• Experience with international space agency collaborations (ESA, JAXA, etc.)
• Experience with phased array antenna systems and beamforming technologies
• Knowledge of quantum communications and encryption techniques for secure space communications
• Experience with inter-satellite link technologies and network protocols
• Familiarity with 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) standards and implementation

Why Blue Origin:

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Our interplanetary communications systems represent critical infrastructure needed for sustained human presence beyond Earth orbit.

As the Senior Principal Space-Based RF Communications Engineer leading these efforts, you will play a pivotal role in developing the communications backbone that will connect Earth with future planetary exploration and settlement activities throughout the solar system. Your work will directly enable the transmission of scientific discoveries, operational data, and eventually, human communications between Earth and other planetary destinations.

Blue Origin offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make history as we expand humanity's presence beyond Earth orbit. Join us in our mission to build a road to space so our children can build the future.

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• 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. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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