Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect

Application close date:

At Blue Origin we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Were 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 nations most critical exploration & national security missions.

As a Principal Deep 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 Mars and cislunar telecommunications and PNT programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation deep space systems spanning TT&C proximity links relay crosslinks and Earth-to-deep-space mission data links and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origins deep space exploration mission enabling humanitys long-term presence on the Moon and Mars.

Special Mentions

• Preferred Location: Any Blue Origin location including Los Angeles CA; Denver CO; Space Coast FL; Reston VA; or Kent WA (Seattle area) offices.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to one of the primary Blue Origin office locations
• Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs.
• Clearance: An active TS//SCI is preferred though not required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications programs including Telemetry Tracking & Command (TT&C) proximity links relay crosslinks and mission data links spanning Earth-to-Mars and Earth-to-Moon distances
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate deep space frequency bands (S- X- Ka-band and UHF) waveforms link budgets modulation and coding schemes and high-gain antenna configurations optimized for extreme range and signal propagation environments
• Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances signal degradation and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS) interface control documents (ICDs) and architecture definition documents (ADDs) aligned with NASA LunaNet Moon-to-Mars (M2M) and CCSDS interoperability standards
• Collaborate with mission engineering systems engineering payload and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance across Martian & cislunar relay network architectures
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams including spacecraft design mechanical thermal power systems and flight software to ensure seamless integration verification and successful operation of deep space communications systems throughout the mission lifecycle
• Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
• Engage with government customers program offices commercial partners and international stakeholders to capture requirements present architectures and influence program direction for deep space telecommunications infrastructure
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Blue National Security organization
• Support proposal development including technical volumes basis of estimates and architecture white papers for deep space telecommunications pursuits
• Identify and assess emerging RF and optical communications technologies evolving deep space standards (e.g. CCSDS Proximity-1 LunaNet Interoperability Specification) and spectrum coordination frameworks relevant to Mars & cislunar mission environments
• Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable deep space spectrum regulations ITU/NTIA frequency coordination requirements NASA SCaN architecture standards and ITAR
• Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align deep space communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies for Martian and lunar exploration

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Physics or a related technical field
• 12 years of experience in RF systems engineering communications systems design or closely related disciplines with a proven track record in the development integration and deployment of space-segment communications systems
• Demonstrated experience designing developing and integrating TT&C proximity link relay crosslink and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proven expertise in RF link budget analysis waveform design modulation and coding techniques and antenna system architecture design and performance evaluation for deep space or long-range applications
• 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
• Experience using industry-standard RF communications design modeling and simulation tools including Cadence AWR Ansys HFSS & STK MathWorks Simulink and MATLAB
• Ability to flow down communication system requirements into RF component-level performance specifications for RFP development and procurement activities
• Experience working on deep space cislunar or planetary exploration programs and familiarity with associated government and commercial 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

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

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering Systems Engineering or a related field
• Experience in RF communications testing and in-orbit test (IOT) support including development and execution of RF test procedures validation of system performance and support for integration launch and on-orbit verification activities
• Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
• Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) interfaces LunaNet Interoperability Specification CCSDS Proximity-1 protocol and Moon-to-Mars (M2M) architecture standards
• Experience with hybrid RF and optical/laser communications architectures for deep space relay and high-data-rate mission links
• Knowledge of deep space spectrum management frequency coordination and ITU/NTIA/SFCG regulatory processes applicable to cislunar and Mars frequency allocations
• Experience with Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols and contact graph routing for intermittent deep space link environments
• Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
• Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for deep space exploration or government space programs
• Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities

• Active TS//SCI security clearance

Base Pay Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Dont 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 youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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 a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blues 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 10001 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 companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys 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

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