Principal Space RF Communications Architect

About this role

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.

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.

Special Mentions: • 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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • 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

Minimum Qualifications: • 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

Preferred Qualifications: • 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

  Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
VA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 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 qualificati

Similar jobs

• Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect — Blue Origin · Denver, CO | Space Coast, FL | Huntsville, AL
• Principal RF Communications Engineer — Draper · Cambridge, MA
• Principal RF Engineer — Leolabsinc · Menlo Park, CA
• Principal RF Antenna Engineer — K2spacecorporation · Los Angeles, CA
• RF Systems Architect — Northwoodspace · Torrance, CA
• Senior RF/Satellite Communications & Architectures Engineer​ — The Aerospace Corporation · El Segundo, CA
• Principal Electrical Engineer, Radio Frequency (RF) — Trueanomalyinc · Denver, CO or Long Beach, CA
• Sr. RF Engineer - Space RCO — The Aerospace Corporation · Kirtland AFB, NM