RF Communication Engineer III, In Space Systems (ISS)

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! 

As part of our RF Communications team, you'll 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. This isn't a narrow role — your fingerprints will be on the full subsystem lifecycle, including specifications, procurement, AI&T execution, and mission support.

We're looking for a sharp RF engineer with a foundation in satellite communications and systems engineering who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to lead.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided

• Top Secret clearance desired

• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

• 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

• Be in the action — support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations to see your work fly

• 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, waveforms.

• Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like 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 

• 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, algorithms development (including Matlab/Simulink simulations) or networking.

• Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill

Compensation Range for:

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.