Principal 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. 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! 

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 Blue National Security (BNS) business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of our nation's most critical national security missions.

As a Principal 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 National Security Space programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation space systems — from TT&C and crosslinks to mission data links — and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin's national security mission.

• Preferred Location: Kent, WA (Seattle area). Candidates located in or willing to relocate to the Seattle area are strongly preferred. We will also consider candidates based at our Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; or Reston, VA offices.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to the Kent, WA area.
• Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs.
• Clearance: An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is required. TS//SCI is strongly preferred.

• Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), crosslinks, and mission data links
• Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate frequency bands, waveforms, link budgets, modulation schemes, and antenna configurations
• Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs)
• Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance
• Engage with government customers, program offices, and external stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Advanced Capabilities organization
• Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for National Security Space pursuits
• Identify and assess emerging RF technologies, standards, and threat environments relevant to national security space communications
• Ensure compliance with applicable government standards, spectrum regulations, and security requirements (e.g., COMSEC, TRANSEC, ITAR)
• Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
• 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems
• Demonstrated experience designing and/or architecting TT&C, crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
• Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems
• Experience working on National Security Space programs and familiarity with associated government 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
• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
• Active TS//SCI security clearance
• Experience with protected/anti-jam waveforms, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications, or COMSEC/TRANSEC systems
• Familiarity with MILSATCOM systems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer)
• Experience with optical/laser communications as a complement to RF architectures
• Knowledge of spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA regulatory processes
• Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for classified government programs
• Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities

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.