Principal Space RF Communications Architect
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Blue Origin
Reston, VA (In Person)
$203,548 Salary, Part-Time
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Job Description
Principal Space RF Communications Architect Blue Origin life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), stock options, relocation assistance United States, Virginia, Reston May 12, 2026 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 theBlue 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 aPrincipal Space RF Communications Architectwithin theAdvanced Capabilitiesorganization, 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
TS//SCIis strongly preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, includingTelemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C),crosslinks, andmission 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
- from TT&C and crosslinks to mission data links
- and influence program direction from concept through execution.
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 activeTop Secret (TS)security clearance is required.TS//SCIis strongly preferred. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for National Security Space programs, includingTelemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C),crosslinks, andmission 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+ yearsof experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or related disciplines, with demonstrated experience in space systems Demonstrated experience designing and/or architectingTT&C,crosslink, and/ormission data linksystems for space vehicles or satellites Proficiency in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation/coding, and antenna systems Experience working onNational Security Spaceprograms 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 ActiveTop Secret (TS)security clearancePreferred Qualifications:
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field ActiveTS//SCIsecurity clearance Experience withprotected/anti-jam waveforms,low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD)communications, orCOMSEC/TRANSECsystems Familiarity withMILSATCOMsystems, standards, and architectures (e.g., AEHF, WGS, SDA Transport Layer) Experience withoptical/laser communicationsas a complement to RF architectures Knowledge ofspectrum management, frequency coordination, andITU/NTIA
regulatory processes Experience supportingcompetitive proposal effortsfor classified government programs Prior experience in anarchitect or chief engineerrole with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities Compensation 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.
Certain Job Profiles:
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required forCertain 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 10,001 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 certainJob Profiles:
Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical Benefits Benefits 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. Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)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 company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's 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 Opportunity Blue 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 Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.Similar remote jobs
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