Wireless Systems Architect - 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 Wireless Systems Architect to provide technical leadership for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network. This role will be instrumental in developing the architecture for our constellation designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally. The ideal candidate brings expertise in systems engineering, optical communications, and satellite systems, thriving in a fast-paced environment where innovation meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain the technical architecture for TeraWave's multi-orbit constellation of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites
• Define the end-to-end RF air interface architecture
• Lead the L1/L2/L3 protocol stack development work including designing signaling procedures, scheduler algorithms, and custom PHY signals and channels
• Architect efficient multi-beam beamforming methods
• Define beam-to-cell allocation, frequency planning, and interference mitigation strategies
• Drive cross-layer optimization to maximize spectral efficiency and latency performance
• Define system-level requirements and interfaces between LEO and MEO satellite layers
• Architect coordination mechanisms across thousands of satellites
• Create architectural frameworks that integrate RF and optical communications technologies
• Lead technical trade studies to optimize constellation performance, reliability, and cost
• Establish performance budgets for RF and optical subsystems
• Support design and integration of optical inter-satellite links (laser communications)
• Contribute to Q/V-band RF and free-space optical link performance optimization
• Define interface requirements between payload, optical terminals, and ground systems
• Ensure RF and optical subsystems operate cohesively at constellation scale
• Develop verification and validation strategies for complex satellite communication systems
• Develop models and simulations to validate system performance and capabilities
• Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies
• Identify and mitigate technical risks across the TeraWave program
• Establish technical standards and best practices for system development
• Support technical reviews and ensure compliance with program requirements
• Collaborate with payload, software, hardware, optical, and network teams
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to translate requirements into architectural solutions
• Mentor engineers on systems architecture principles and methodologies
• Contribute to innovation strategy, patents, and technical publications

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of design, development or analysis experience
• Demonstrated experience in satellite systems engineering or communications architecture
• Strong expertise in wireless systems, including LTE and 5G NR protocols and beamforming
• Experience designing and analyzing complex systems with multiple interdependent subsystems
• Strong understanding of RF communications principles and optical/laser communication systems
• Proficiency with systems modeling tools and simulation methodologies
• Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with development in mission and safety-critical environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Experience with LEO/MEO multi-orbit constellation design and optimization
• Knowledge of free-space optical principles and space-based communication systems
• Experience with Q/V-band RF communications and optical inter-satellite links
• Expertise in L1/L2 cross-layer optimization and scheduler design
• Experience with advanced radio unit (RU) development
• Background in enterprise-grade network architecture for high-throughput applications
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies
• Understanding of regulatory requirements for satellite communications systems
• Experience with optical measurement, testing, and performance characterization
• Demonstrated record of innovation (patents and/or technical publications)

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

• 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 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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