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Blue Origin · 2 months ago

Sr. Microwave Engineer for Space-based Communications

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$152K/yr - $213K/yr

7+ years exp

Blue Origin is a company focused on developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems. They are seeking a Senior Microwave Engineer to lead the design and development of high-performance phased array RF front-end systems for space-based communications, driving system architecture from concept through qualification.

AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead the design, simulation, and validation of next generation RF microwave components for advanced phased array antenna applications in microwave and millimeter-wave bands (e.g., X, Ku, Ka)

Architect scalable, phased array antenna RF front-end tailored to platform-specific constraints including size, weight, power, thermal, and environmental factors

Lead the development of RFIC/MMIC and T/R modules for beamforming architectures—including analog, digital, and hybrid approaches—collaborating closely with antenna and systems engineers to define the complete RF signal chain

Perform advanced RF circuit/system simulations, using tools like ADS, Cadence AWR, and MATLAB

Lead the integration and test of component level and system level phased array hardware

Lead RF front-end modules integration into phased array antenna and support environmental qualification efforts (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation tolerance) for space-capable platforms

Mentor junior engineers and provide peer review of design artifacts, test plans, and results to ensure technical excellence

Interface with systems engineering, mechanical, firmware, and program leadership to align technical execution with product goals and timelines

Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to propose architectural improvements and innovation pathways

Qualification

Phased array designRF circuit theoryElectromagnetic simulationRFIC/MMIC developmentHigh-frequency CCAsRF simulation toolsMicrowave testing techniquesMentoringCollaborationProblem solving

Required

BS., M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

7+ years of hands-on experience designing and validating phased array antenna systems

Background designing and testing analog Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs), including frequency conversion, automatic gain control, amplifier design and analog filter design

Experience designing high-frequency CCAs design/development for space applications

Understanding of allocating and flowing down requirements from the system to the component level

Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC design or selection for T/R modules for RF front-end development

Demonstrated expertise with commercial RF simulation tools (ADS, Cadence AWR, HFSS, CST, MATLAB)

Experience integrating RF circuit and phased arrays antenna into systems with environmental constraints such as thermal cycling, radiation, or vibration for space environment

Strong hands-on experience with microwave testing techniques, including using spectrum analyzers, Real-time Spectrum Analyzers (RSAs), Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) and Performance Network Analyzer (PNAs)