Blue Origin · 12 hours ago
Sr. Principal Space-Based RF Communications Architect - Interplanetary Communications
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$188K/yr - $264K/yr
12+ years expBlue Origin envisions millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The role involves leading the design and implementation of advanced interplanetary RF communications architectures, serving as the primary technical authority for mission-critical systems.
AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced interplanetary RF communications architectures, serving as the primary technical authority for these mission-critical systems
Architect 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 frequencies
Design and implement advanced communications relay networks to support assets throughout the solar system, including orbiters, landers, and future human exploration infrastructure
Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
Collaborate with NASA/JPL and international partners on communications standards and protocols for interplanetary mission interoperability
Drive innovation in spectrum utilization, modulation schemes, and coding techniques to maximize data return from deep space missions
Lead technical reviews and design validation activities for interplanetary communications subsystems
Coordinate with cross-functional teams including spacecraft design, power systems, and flight software to ensure seamless integration of communications systems
Develop contingency communications modes and fault recovery strategies for mission-critical operations
Mentor and provide technical leadership to the interplanetary communications engineering team
Represent Blue Origin in technical forums related to deep space communications and planetary exploration
Support the development of near-Earth RF communications systems for Blue Origin's broader space infrastructure, including LEO, MEO, and GEO applications
Advise on the design of advanced phased array antenna systems for high-throughput satellite communications across multiple frequency bands
Develop cross-link communications capabilities between spacecraft in various orbital regimes to establish robust space-based networks
Contribute technical expertise to Blue Origin's lunar communications architecture, including surface-to-orbit relay systems
Oversee the integration of software-defined radio technologies across multiple mission profiles to maximize flexibility and upgradeability
Lead efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures for space-based communications systems
Develop RF communications solutions for formation flying spacecraft and distributed sensor networks
Support the evaluation and integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) communications components where appropriate to optimize cost and schedule
Contribute to the development of emergency communications protocols and backup systems for crewed missions
Collaborate with ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications architecture compatibility
Provide technical guidance on RF spectrum management and regulatory compliance across multiple mission types
Support proposal development and customer presentations for new business opportunities related to space communications systems
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related technical field; PhD preferred
12+ years of experience in RF communications engineering with at least 8 years focused on deep space communications or interplanetary missions
Demonstrated expertise in spacecraft communications subsystem design for deep space applications
Extensive experience with digital modulation schemes optimized for low signal-to-noise environments, including advanced error correction coding techniques
Proven track record leading the development of space-qualified RF hardware and systems for long-duration missions
Experience with radiation-hardened components and design techniques for interplanetary space environments
Strong understanding of deep space link budget analysis, accounting for extreme distances, planetary occultations, and solar interference
Experience with high-gain antenna systems, including design, pointing requirements, and performance optimization
Knowledge of relevant deep space communications standards and protocols (CCSDS, etc.)
Experience with systems engineering processes for mission-critical space systems
Must 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 asylum
Preferred
PhD in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related technical field
15+ years of experience in deep space communications systems
Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
Knowledge of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols and implementation
Experience with X-band, Ka-band, and optical communications technologies for deep space applications
Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) capabilities and interfaces
Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
Knowledge of spectrum allocation and regulatory compliance for deep space communications
Experience with communications relay architectures for planetary surface-to-orbit links
Track record of innovation in deep space communications demonstrated through patents or published technical papers
Experience with international space agency collaborations (ESA, JAXA, etc.)
Experience with phased array antenna systems and beamforming technologies
Knowledge of quantum communications and encryption techniques for secure space communications
Experience with inter-satellite link technologies and network protocols
Familiarity with 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) standards and implementation
Benefits
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%
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
Company
Blue Origin
Blue Origin is an aerospace company that focuses on lowering the cost of spaceflight and helping to explore the solar system.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$185.35MKey Investors
NASAUnited States Space Force
2024-02-20Secondary Market
2024-01-24Undisclosed· $18M
2021-12-03Grant· $130M
Leadership Team
David Limp
Chief Executive Officer
Tim Collins
Vice President, Global Supply Chain
Recent News
Washington Technology
2026-01-11
The Motley Fool
2026-01-11
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