Principal Space RF Communications Architect

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. 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. 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 Blue National Security (BNS) business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of our nation's most critical national security missions. As a Principal Space RF Communications Architect within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining and driving end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation space systems — from TT&C and crosslinks to mission data links — and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin's national security mission. Special Mentions: Preferred Location: Kent, WA (Seattle area). Candidates located in or willing to relocate to the Seattle area are strongly preferred. We will also consider candidates based at our Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; or Reston, VA offices. Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to the Kent, WA area. Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs. Clearance: An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is required. TS//SCI is strongly preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) , crosslinks , and mission data links Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs) Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance Engage with government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements (e.g., COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR) Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C , crosslink , and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government customers Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field Active TS//SCI security clearance Experience with protected/anti-jam waveforms , low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer) Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures Knowledge of spectrum management , frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85 WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 VA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 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, 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. 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. 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 at [email protected] . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.