RF Engineer III, Antennas - Lunar Permanence

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s multiple Blue Moon lander product lines. To further Blue Origin's mission of having millions of people living and working in space, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse, multi-disciplinary engineers, you will assist in the design, manufacturing, and testing of the antennas for Blue Origin’s lunar spacecraft. You will be part of a team responsible for development of these antennas from early concepts to product prototypes to initial flight units. In this role, you will leverage your understanding of RF engineering, antenna parameter optimization, microstrip, aperture, wire and parabolic antenna types and their manufacture. You and the team will develop custom antennas that will enhance our target radio performance by taking advantage of physical aspects of the materials as well as designing to meet challenging environmental and test requirements. This position will report into the Lunar Antenna Vertical Integration team that is responsible for spacecraft antenna design, development, test, and qualification. 

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Develop, execute, and manage the plan for the design, development, test, and qualification of antennas and their associated components for spacecraft communications

• Work with Lunar Electrical Systems Group, and other product teams to identify needs for antenna product definitions that meet communications requirements.

• Serve as subject matter on your assigned antenna system.

• Routinely collaborate with manufacturing operations, supply chain, and other teams within the company to ensure smooth execution of the development efforts

• Relentlessly look for opportunities to increase performance, enable new capabilities and bolder missions, reduce cost, and reduce cycle time/production time

Minimum Qualifications: 

• B.S. in electrical engineering, physics, or related areas of study 

• 5+ years of experience in antenna design, RF systems, analysis, modeling, and optimization of spacecraft communications assemblies 

• Hands-on experience in the development, prototyping, and testing of antennas and complex RF components for aerospace applications

• Proficiency in fundamentals of RF communication system development - system design and analysis, free-space transmission principles, and experience in RF system modeling and simulation

• Experience working across multiple frequency bands such as UHF, L, S, X, and Ka 

• In-depth knowledge of antenna design modeling and communication theory (e.g., gain control, beam forming, antenna polarization, multi-path interference, multipactor) 

• Ability to challenge status-quo, break down issues to their fundamental elements, and drive efficient product solutions with emphasis on long term goals and product sustainability  

• Excellent verbal communication skills to influence a variety of direct and indirect stakeholders. 

• Strong technical background or technical writing experience. 

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion 

• 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 Qualifications: 

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering with focus on high-frequency RF system design and optimization 

• Knowledge of antenna design modeling systems (e.g., ANSYS HFSS, FEKO, GRASP)

• Experience in building and testing conformal microstrip, parabolic, horn, and wire antennas

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85;WA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85

Other site ranges may differ

Inclusivity 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 qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t 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 Regulations

Applicants 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 U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DIBDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required 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 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, 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.

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.

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 “EEO Is the Law,” 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 at [email protected].

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.