Senior Beamforming and Calibration Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date:

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!  

As a Senior Beamforming and Calibration Engineer at Blue Origin, you will be a key technical contributor to our phased array antenna systems, focusing on the critical aspects of beamforming implementation and array calibration. You will work at the intersection of DSP algorithm development and hardware realization, ensuring our beamforming systems achieve optimal performance in the space environment.

This role requires both theoretical depth and practical hands-on experience. You will be responsible for translating advanced beamforming concepts into efficient FPGA/ASIC implementations while developing the calibration techniques necessary to maintain array performance over temperature, time, and operational conditions. This is a rare opportunity to work on state-of-the-art electronically steered arrays that will enable the future of space communications.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement digital beamforming architectures for phased array systems, including time-domain and frequency-domain beamformers
• Develop and optimize calibration algorithms for phased arrays, addressing amplitude/phase errors, mutual coupling effects, and environmental variations
• Design beam steering algorithms and implement null-steering capabilities for interference mitigation
• Create MATLAB/Python models for beamforming performance prediction and calibration strategy validation
• Oversee the translation of beamforming algorithms to FPGA/ASIC implementations, working closely with digital designers on fixed-point optimization
• Develop test procedures and automated calibration routines for array characterization and production testing
• Analyze beamformer performance using measured data, identifying and resolving performance anomalies
• Support RF and antenna engineers in the characterization of array patterns and validation of beamforming capabilities

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field with 7+ years of experience in phased array systems, beamforming, or radar/communications
• Deep understanding of array signal processing theory including beamforming, DOA estimation, and adaptive algorithms
• Experience with phased array calibration techniques and measurement systems
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for algorithm development and system modeling
• Understanding of digital beamforming implementations (FPGA/ASIC architectures)
• Familiarity with RF measurement equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzers, antenna test ranges)

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a related field with focus on array signal processing
• Experience with space-based or airborne phased array systems
• Knowledge of advanced beamforming techniques
• Hands-on experience with antenna pattern measurements and near-field/far-field testing
• Experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog) and hardware debugging
• Background in satellite communications or electronically scanned arrays for SATCOM
• Familiarity with over-the-air (OTA) testing and anechoic chamber measurements

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture 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 an 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 (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

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• 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 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.

• 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.

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