Antenna Test Engineer III - 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!  

We are seeking a Test Engineer III to architect and lead the testing of advanced phased-array antenna systems supporting mission-critical, high-reliability space-based communications. This role will serve as a key technical contributor, driving antenna validation strategy and execution from early concept development through environmental and final qualifications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in testing phased array and reflector antenna systems, including active electronically scanned arrays, using industry-standard RF test equipment. This individual should have experience developing and automating test procedures and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where innovative solutions must align with real-world performance, schedule, and reliability constraints.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plan, write, and execute test plans and procedures for phased array antennas and RF subsystems.
• Work closely with antenna and mechanical designers to transform their designs into hardware.
• Fabricate and assemble antenna components and subsystems according to engineering drawings and RF specifications.
• Developed test plans and procedures and executed test campaigns for phased array and parabolic antennas.
• Lead prototype fabrication, assembly, and antenna testing (near-field, far-field, and environmental testing).
• Support the entire hardware lifecycle, guiding the fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal-vac, vibration, radiation) of antenna systems.
• Interact with vendors as part of antenna chamber build out and hardware development.
• Document designs, analyses, and test results in technical reports and reviews.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna testing or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 3+ years of experience in RF antenna testing.
• Solid understanding of electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly phased arrays.
• Familiarity with environmental and qualification testing for space or high-reliability applications (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC).
• Proven experience supporting the design and development of antennas and associated hardware.
• Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., TICRA, HFSS, CST).
• Extensive experience with RF test equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and network analyzers.
• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electromagnetics or Antennas.
• Track record of taking a complex antenna system from initial concept through to production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications.
• Experience testing high-frequency phased arrays and reflectors at mm-Wave (Q, V, E-band).
• Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies and T/R module design considerations.
• Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms.
• Experience with aerospace, defense, or wireless communication systems.

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.

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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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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.

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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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