Sr. Principal Space-Based RF Communications Architect Interplanetary Communications at Blue Origin

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. Were 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 candidatesPosition may require up to 20% travel for integration testing partner collaboration meetings and mission operationsMust 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 asylumResponsibilities 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 systemsArchitect 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 frequenciesDesign and implement advanced communications relay networks to support assets throughout the solar system including orbiters landers and future human exploration infrastructureDevelop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances signal degradation and latency challenges of interplanetary communicationsLead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communicationsOversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distancesCollaborate with NASA/JPL and international partners on communications standards and protocols for interplanetary mission interoperabilityDrive innovation in spectrum utilization modulation schemes and coding techniques to maximize data return from deep space missionsLead technical reviews and design validation activities for interplanetary communications subsystemsCoordinate with cross-functional teams including spacecraft design power systems and flight software to ensure seamless integration of communications systemsDevelop contingency communications modes and fault recovery strategies for mission-critical operationsMentor and provide technical leadership to the interplanetary communications engineering teamRepresent Blue Origin in technical forums related to deep space communications and planetary explorationAdditional RF Communications Responsibilities:Support the development of near-Earth RF communications systems for Blue Origins broader space infrastructure including LEO MEO and GEO applicationsAdvise on the design of advanced phased array antenna systems for high-throughput satellite communications across multiple frequency bandsDevelop cross-link communications capabilities between spacecraft in various orbital regimes to establish robust space-based networksContribute technical expertise to Blue Origins lunar communications architecture including surface-to-orbit relay systemsOversee the integration of software-defined radio technologies across multiple mission profiles to maximize flexibility and upgradeabilityLead efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures for space-based communications systemsDevelop RF communications solutions for formation flying spacecraft and distributed sensor networksSupport the evaluation and integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) communications components where appropriate to optimize cost and scheduleContribute to the development of emergency communications protocols and backup systems for crewed missionsCollaborate with ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications architecture compatibilityProvide technical guidance on RF spectrum management and regulatory compliance across multiple mission typesSupport proposal development and customer presentations for new business opportunities related to space communications systemsMinimum Qualifications:Masters degree in Electrical Engineering RF Engineering or related technical field; PhD preferred12 years of experience in RF communications engineering with at least 8 years focused on deep space communications or interplanetary missionsDemonstrated expertise in spacecraft communications subsystem design for deep space applicationsExtensive experience with digital modulation schemes optimized for low signal-to-noise environments including advanced error correction coding techniquesProven track record leading the development of space-qualified RF hardware and systems for long-duration missionsExperience with radiation-hardened components and design techniques for interplanetary space environmentsStrong understanding of deep space link budget analysis accounting for extreme distances planetary occultations and solar interferenceExperience with high-gain antenna systems including design pointing requirements and performance optimizationKnowledge of relevant deep space communications standards and protocols (CCSDS etc.)Experience with systems engineering processes for mission-critical space systemsPreferred Qualifications:PhD in Electrical Engineering RF Engineering or related technical field15 years of experience in deep space communications systemsDirect experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systemsKnowledge of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols and implementationExperience with X-band Ka-band and optical communications technologies for deep space applicationsFamiliarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) capabilities and interfacesExperience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missionsKnowledge of spectrum allocation and regulatory compliance for deep space communicationsExperience with communications relay architectures for planetary surface-to-orbit linksTrack record of innovation in deep space communications demonstrated through patents or published technical papersExperience with international space agency collaborations (ESA JAXA etc.)Experience with phased array antenna systems and beamforming technologiesKnowledge of quantum communications and encryption techniques for secure space communicationsExperience with inter-satellite link technologies and network protocolsFamiliarity with 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) standards and implementationWhy 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 Earth and other planetary destinations.Blue Origin offers competitive compensation comprehensive benefits and the opportunity to make history as we expand humanitys presence beyond Earth orbit. Join us in our mission to build a road to space so our children can build the future.Compensation Range for:CA applicants is $188466.00-$263852.40;CO applicants is $184911.00-$258874.35;WA applicants is $188466.00-$263852.40Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDont 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 youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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.Export Control RegulationsApplicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the a refugee or granted asylum.Background CheckRequired for all positions: Blues Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding) Road Test Hours of Service Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only) vehicle inspection requirements CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physicalBenefitsBenefits include: Medical dental vision basic and supplemental life insurance paid parental leave short and long-term disability 401(k) with a company match of 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 benefits and bonuses based on the companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details. Equal Employment OpportunityBlue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting retaining and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications performance and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust equality and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire promotion and other terms and conditions of employment regardless of their race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin/ethnicity age physical or mental disability genetic factors military/veteran status or any other status or characteristic protected by federal state and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified 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 the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance and other applicable laws. For more information on Know Your Rights please see here.Affirmative Action and Disability AccommodationApplicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origins Affirmative Action Plans or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process please contact us at. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.California Applicant Privacy NoticeIf you are a California resident please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.Required Experience:Staff IC Key Skills Internal Control,Accounting And Auditing,Accounts Handling,General Services,Elevator,Brand Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 184911 - 258874