Advanced Technology Architect for Space-Based Communications Network (Top Secret Clearance Required)

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.

This position is within the In-Space Systems business unit and will report to the Mission Engineering & Architecture organization. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced System Architect to shape the development of technologies to support novel communications capabilities needed to support Blue Origin's Road to Space. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining technology roadmaps for "systems of systems", performing analysis of alternatives, and leading efforts to de-risk key technologies.

Special Mentions:

• Up to 25% of travel
• Relocation provided

Responsibilities:

The selected candidate requires strong mission systems architecture and engineering experience, as well as excellent collaboration skills to work across multiple teams and business areas within In-Space Systems and across Blue Origin. In this role, you will have the following responsibilities:

• Systems Architecture Development: Lead the architectural design and development of a multi-node communications network, ensuring integration of free-space optical communications and RF phased array technologies. Conduct comprehensive analysis of alternatives to determine optimal design choices and system configurations, focusing on verifying design approaches through simulations, trade studies, and prototyping to de-risk key technology items.
• Technical Leadership: Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute architectural design, simulations, and validation tests, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines. Work closely with systems engineering to define capabilities needed for flight design, such as beam control and custom beam shapes, and to establish minimum viable product requirements for proof-of-concept designs.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate "make or break" technical risks through rigorous testing and validation of flight-like hardware articles. Develop strategies to address manufacturability and producibility risks for novel components, such as low-cost telescopes and lasercom terminals, by refining mechanical designs and conducting thermal management assessments.
• Technology Development: Drive the development of key technologies, including lasercom terminals and RF phased arrays, focusing on link speed, power, and cost efficiency. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to leverage advanced photonics and telecom technologies for system enhancement and begin tapeout activities for custom silicon fabrication.
• Rapid Iterative Development: Emphasize rapid, iterative development processes to refine system designs and integrate lessons learned from proof-of-concept articles into flight designs. Develop and test initial capabilities for adaptive optics on ground uplinks and perform feasibility simulations to optimize producibility and cost.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in systems engineering and architecture development for complex aerospace or telecommunications systems.
• Experience with high-frequency RF and optical communication systems, including phased arrays and lasercom technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct detailed trade studies and risk assessments.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Top Secret clearance eligibility required

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in any of the following: RF phased array design, beam pattern simulations, digital signal processing and modem design, networking, custom silicon fabrication processes, including tapeout activities and ASIC design.
• Antenna & Amplifier design

Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $164,682.00-$230,554.80;CO applicants is $155,939.00-$218,313.90;WA applicants is $164,682.00-$230,554.80

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


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, 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 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 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.