Associate Rf Engineer Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

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!
This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin's Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.
As part of a hardworking team of engineers and technical designers, you will directly impact the history of space exploration and require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.
This opportunity reports to the RF Systems group inside of the Lunar Permanence business unit. This Engineering Aide position provides hands-on technical support for the rapid prototyping, fabrication, testing, and integration of RF antenna hardware and associated electronics. Primary hardware includes parabolic carbon fiber reflectors, horn antennas, patch antenna arrays, PCB assemblies, and a variety of RF electronics used for lunar surface and cislunar missions. You will work as a member of the Human Landing System (HLS) Sustaining Lunar Development (SLD) program team and will play a key role in developing the Lunar Transportation systems that will return humans to the Moon and extend human presence permanently beyond the bounds of Earth. This role requires a versatile, self-motivated individual with broad fabrication and prototyping skills who can operate across mechanical, electrical, and RF disciplines. Passion for our mission and vision is required. If you're excited by providing both near term and long-term value, solving novel problems, learning about interesting topics, and completing challenging projects, please apply!
Special Mentions:

• Relocation provided
• Travel not typically expected, but on an as need basis up to 15%

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operate and maintain a PCB milling machine to fabricate prototype circuit boards for RF and electronic subsystems, including antenna feed networks, patch arrays, and RF front-end circuits.
• Perform PCB layout and design iterations using Altium Designer in support of RF engineers and electrical engineers developing antenna electronics, amplifiers, and control boards.
• Set up and operate CNC milling machines and other shop equipment to fabricate prototype mechanical parts, antenna components, test fixtures, and assembly tooling.
• Support rapid prototyping efforts across the RF team, including 3D printing, hand fabrication, soldering, and assembly of prototype antenna and electronics hardware.
• Build, assemble, and rework prototype antenna assemblies, RF electronics packages, cable harnesses, and associated mechanical structures.
• Support engineering testing activities including vibration, shock, thermal cycle, and thermal vacuum tests by fabricating test fixtures, instrumenting hardware, and assisting with test execution and data collection.
• Create assembly aids, metrology fixtures, and RF/structural test fixtures to verify antenna alignment, surface accuracy, and mechanical performance.
• Assist engineers with antenna and RF hardware integration activities, including alignment, bonding, fastening, and cable routing.
• Maintain lab equipment, prototyping tools, and fabrication areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Review and provide feedback on assembly instructions and drawings to improve manufacturability and build quality.
• Support material and hardware inventory management, procurement coordination, and tracking of prototype parts and assemblies.
• Document fabrication processes, test setups, and as-built configurations through photographs, reports, and records.
• Collaborate across mechanical, RF, electrical, thermal, and systems engineering disciplines in a fast-paced design environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree (2-year) in engineering technology, electronics technology, mechanical technology, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in a prototyping, fabrication, or technical support role in aerospace, defense, or a related high-performance hardware industry.
• Experience operating PCB milling equipment for prototype board fabrication.
• Experience operating CNC mills and/or other precision machining equipment.
• Experience with PCB layout software (Altium Designer preferred).
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, soldering equipment, and standard lab/shop fabrication equipment.
• Ability to be self-directed, prioritize tasks, and balance several projects at one time in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Experience with Altium Designer for RF or high-frequency PCB layout, including controlled impedance routing and RF-specific design considerations.
• Experience with RF antenna hardware, including parabolic reflectors, horn antennas, patch antenna arrays, waveguides, and coaxial assemblies.
• Experience with composite materials handling and fabrication (e.g., carbon fiber layup, bonding, trimming).
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (Creo preferred) for reviewing models or creating simple part designs.
• Experience with environmental testing including vibration, shock, and thermal cycle.
• Experience with 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, or similar) for rapid prototyping.
• Experience with soldering standards such as IPC J-STD-001 or NASA-STD-8739.
• Familiarity with GD&T concepts (ASME Y14.5) and metrology/inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM).
• Experience working in aerospace or defense environments with configuration-controlled hardware.

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $24.74 - $34.63
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, 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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• 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.
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.