Blue Origin
Sr. Principal Space-Based RF Communications Architect - Interplanetary Communica
Blue Origin, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Sr. Principal Space-Based RF Communications Architect - Interplanetary Communications
Join Blue Origin as we build reusable, safe, and low‑cost spacecraft for a future where millions of people live and work in space. Our Interplanetary Communications team is focused on designing the backup plan and the primary fallback pathway for deep‑space missions, including orbital and planetary operations.
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
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 across the solar system, including orbiters, landers, and future human exploration infrastructure
Develop comprehensive deep‑space link budgets and performance analyses that address extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges
Lead the technical development of delay/disruption‑tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
Oversee 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 systems integration
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 development of near‑Earth RF communications systems for Blue Origin’s broader space infrastructure (LEO, MEO, GEO)
Advise on 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 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 evaluation and integration of commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) communications components to optimize cost and schedule
Contribute to 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, our motto “Gradatim Ferociter” (Step by Step, Ferociously) drives us to create the infrastructure that will enable sustained human presence beyond Earth orbit. You will lead the communications backbone that connects Earth to future planetary exploration and settlement across the solar system, directly enabling the transmission of scientific discoveries, operational data, and human communications.
Compensation Range CA applicants: $188,466.00–$263,852.40. CO applicants: $184,911.00–$258,874.35. WA applicants: $188,466.00–$263,852.40.
Culture Statement Not everything on the job description is a requirement. Studies show that people are less likely to apply if they don’t meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we encourage you to apply even if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification.
Export Control Regulations Applicants 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.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for certain job profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if the role requires employment on a military installation
Required for certain job profiles: Drivers operating commercial motor vehicles with GVW or GVWR ≥10,001 lbs. may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Required for certain job profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, including pre‑employment and random drug testing and DOT physical
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with company match 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 additional bonuses based on company discretion. These are not guaranteed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We consider 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, and the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants seeking information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans or requiring reasonable accommodation should contact EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please do not include personal medical information in your request.
California Applicant Privacy Notice California residents should review the CA Applicant Privacy Notice.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Blue Origin by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
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 across the solar system, including orbiters, landers, and future human exploration infrastructure
Develop comprehensive deep‑space link budgets and performance analyses that address extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges
Lead the technical development of delay/disruption‑tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
Oversee 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 systems integration
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 development of near‑Earth RF communications systems for Blue Origin’s broader space infrastructure (LEO, MEO, GEO)
Advise on 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 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 evaluation and integration of commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) communications components to optimize cost and schedule
Contribute to 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, our motto “Gradatim Ferociter” (Step by Step, Ferociously) drives us to create the infrastructure that will enable sustained human presence beyond Earth orbit. You will lead the communications backbone that connects Earth to future planetary exploration and settlement across the solar system, directly enabling the transmission of scientific discoveries, operational data, and human communications.
Compensation Range CA applicants: $188,466.00–$263,852.40. CO applicants: $184,911.00–$258,874.35. WA applicants: $188,466.00–$263,852.40.
Culture Statement Not everything on the job description is a requirement. Studies show that people are less likely to apply if they don’t meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we encourage you to apply even if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification.
Export Control Regulations Applicants 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.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for certain job profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if the role requires employment on a military installation
Required for certain job profiles: Drivers operating commercial motor vehicles with GVW or GVWR ≥10,001 lbs. may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Required for certain job profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, including pre‑employment and random drug testing and DOT physical
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with company match 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 additional bonuses based on company discretion. These are not guaranteed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We consider 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, and the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants seeking information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans or requiring reasonable accommodation should contact EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please do not include personal medical information in your request.
California Applicant Privacy Notice California residents should review the CA Applicant Privacy Notice.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Referrals Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Blue Origin by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr