POSTING ACTIVE · REQ-15BD9 · FY26.Q3

Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave

Blue Origin
[ COMPANY ]
[ LOCATION ]
[ POSTED ]
[ REQ ID ]
[ COMPENSATION RANGE · ANNUAL · BASE ]
$269,175 – $376,844USD
MIDPOINT
$323,010
SPREAD
$107,669
LEVEL
SENIOR
TECHNICAL STACK · 3 TAGS
§ 01OVERVIEW

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! 

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

We are seeking aPrincipal Modem PHY IP Design Engineerto support the design and development of advanced modem physical layer (PHY) IP for the Terawave program. This role will contribute to the architecture, modeling, implementation, integration, and validation of modem PHY functions for next-generation high-performance wireless ASIC solutions.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth in digital communications and modem design, along with hands-on experience translating algorithms into implementation-ready hardware architectures. This engineer will work closely with systems, ASIC, RF, verification, FPGA, firmware, and validation teams to deliver robust and efficient PHY IP.

Responsibilities

· Design and developmodem PHY IPfor Terawave ASIC and prototyping platforms.

· Contribute to PHY algorithm development and hardware architecture for functions such as:

omodulation and demodulation

otiming and frequency synchronization

ochannel estimation and tracking

oequalization

oFEC integration

oMIMO / beamforming support

oimpairment mitigation and calibration support

· Translate system and link requirements intoimplementation-ready PHY block specifications.

· Develop floating-point, fixed-point, and bit-accurate models for modem PHY functions.

· Perform performance analysis and trade studies across throughput, latency, area, and power.

· Work with architecture and RTL teams to partition algorithms into efficient hardware implementations.

· Support interface definition and subsystem integration for PHY IP within the broader modem/baseband architecture.

· Collaborate with verification teams to define test strategies, reference models, and coverage plans.

· Analyze simulation, emulation, FPGA, lab, and silicon data to debug design issues and improve PHY performance.

· Support bring-up and validation of modem PHY features in FPGA prototypes and silicon.

· Document design assumptions, architecture decisions, performance results, and implementation details.

· Work effectively with internal teams and external design partners to help drive execution.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field.

· 10+ years of experience in wireless communications, modem PHY design, DSP, or ASIC/FPGA-based baseband development.

· Strong background indigital communications theoryand modem implementation.

· Experience in several of the following areas:

oOFDM and/or single-carrier systems

osynchronization algorithms

ochannel estimation and equalization

oadaptive modulation and coding

oFEC such as LDPC, Polar, Turbo, or BCH

ofixed-point analysis and quantization

oMIMO or beamforming techniques

· Proficiency withMATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar tools for modeling and simulation.

· Experience translating algorithms into hardware-oriented architectures forASIC or FPGAimplementation.

· Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to work across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.

Preferred Qualifications

· Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, Communications, or related field.

· Experience with modem PHY design for:

ommWave / sub-THz / Terahertz systems

osatellite or space communications

o5G/6G systems

ohigh-throughput wireless backhaul or mesh systems

· Familiarity with RTL design and verification flows.

· Experience with FPGA prototyping, lab characterization, and silicon bring-up.

· Knowledge of RF and mixed-signal impairments such as phase noise, carrier offset, nonlinearities, and calibration effects.

· Experience working with external IP vendors or design service partners.

· Ability to work effectively in an ambiguous, fast-moving development environment.

§ 02SECTION

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95
§ 03OTHER SITE RANGES MAY DIFFER

§ 04CULTURE 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.


§ 05REQUIREMENTS

Description

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field.
  • 10+ years of experience in wireless communications, modem PHY design, DSP, or ASIC/FPGA-based baseband development.
  • Strong background in digital communications theory and modem implementation.
  • Experience in several of the following areas: o OFDM and/or single-carrier systems o synchronization algorithms o channel estimation and equalization o adaptive modulation and coding o FEC such as LDPC, Polar, Turbo, or BCH o fixed-point analysis and quantization o MIMO or beamforming techniques
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar tools for modeling and simulation.
  • Experience translating algorithms into hardware-oriented architectures for ASIC or FPGA implementation.
  • Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.
§ 06NICE TO HAVE

Base Pay Range for

CA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95

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.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How much does the Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave at Blue Origin pay?
The posting lists a range of $269K–$377K per year. Ranges reflect what Blue Origin publicly declared on the source posting.
Where is this Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave role based?
The role is based in Central Texas.
What experience does Blue Origin expect for this role?
The posting is tagged as a senior-level role, typically 5+ years of experience. Check the requirements section for specifics.
How was this posting sourced?
This role was pulled directly from Blue Origin's Workday careers site. Apply links open in the employer's own ATS — no reposts or aggregator middleware.
[ APPLICATION ROUTE ]WORKDAY · External ATS

Apply links open in the employer's official ATS. Always verify recruitment messages on the company's careers page before sharing personal information.

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