Director of RF Communications

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.

Director of RF Communications

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.

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of RF Communications to join our Mission Engineering & Architecture organization within In-Space Systems. In this strategic leadership role, you will define technology roadmaps for complex "systems of systems," lead analysis of alternatives, direct efforts to de-risk key technologies, and oversee the development and deployment of cutting-edge RF communications systems and technologies that enable Blue Origin's ambitious space exploration and utilization goals.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Vision and Strategy

Define and implement comprehensive RF communications technology roadmaps aligned with Blue Origin's long-term mission objectives

Lead systems-level analysis of alternatives to determine optimal communications architectures for spacecraft, lunar, and other mission applications

Identify cross-cutting capabilities across Blue Origin programs and formulate efficient strategies for RF communications technology development

Collaborate with leadership to establish technical standards and architectures that support interoperability across platforms

Technical Leadership

Direct multidisciplinary engineering teams in the design, development, and qualification of advanced RF communication systems

Lead efforts to de-risk critical RF technologies through methodical testing, prototyping, and analysis

Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies including software-defined radios, optical communications, and advanced RF components

Champion innovative approaches to increase performance, enable new capabilities, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles

Program Execution

Oversee the successful execution of RF communications projects from concept to deployment

Establish and maintain technical performance metrics, schedules, and budgets for RF communications programs

Collaborate with manufacturing operations, supply chain, and other internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of development efforts

Drive continuous improvement in RF communications capabilities and oversee their integration into spacecraft and mission architectures

Team Development and Collaboration

Build, mentor, and lead a world-class team of RF communications engineers and specialists

Foster collaboration across engineering disciplines, programs, and external partners

Represent Blue Origin in industry forums, standards bodies, and with government partners

Partner with vehicle engineering and other product teams to identify communications requirements and deliver effective solutions

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field; advanced degree preferred

10+ years of experience in RF communications systems design, development, and implementation with specific focus on spacecraft or aerospace applications

Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering with the ability to architect complex "systems of systems"

Strong background in RF communications technology including software-defined radios, antennas, amplifiers, and signal processing

Experience developing technology roadmaps and leading analysis of alternatives for complex technical systems

Proven track record of successfully leading technical teams to deliver complex systems on schedule and within budget

Knowledge of space-based communications standards, protocols, and architectures

Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate trade-offs between performance, cost, schedule, and risk

Strong leadership capabilities with demonstrated success in mentoring and developing technical teams

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels

Preferred Experience

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

Experience with deep space communications, inter-satellite links, and ground station networks

Knowledge / experience negotiating regulatory spectrum management tasks

Knowledge of optical communications and hybrid RF / optical architectures

Experience with verification, integration, and testing of integrated subsystems on spacecraft

Background in digital signal processing algorithms and advanced communications theory

Familiarity with spacecraft avionics systems and integration challenges

Experience working with NASA, DoD, or other government partners on communications systems

Track record of innovation as demonstrated through patents, publications, or successful technology transitions

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to building the road to get there. As Director of RF Communications, you will play a pivotal role in developing the critical technologies that enable communications for our spacecraft, lunar landers, and future space infrastructure.

You'll join a passionate team of problem-solvers working to overcome some of the most challenging technical obstacles in modern spaceflight. Your contributions will directly impact Blue Origin's mission to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make history as we open access to space.

Join us as we take the next giant leap for humanity.

Compensation Range for :

CA applicants is $211,905.00-$296,665.95;CO applicants is $200,653.00-$280,913.85;WA applicants is $211,905.00-$296,665.95

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

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 (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 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 submit 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 at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

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