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

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.**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
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