Contract Rfic Design Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

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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 Senior Phased-Array Antenna Design Engineer. You will design the physical hardware that forms the backbone of our in-space communications network. As a foundational member of a new in-house team, you will help create the next generation of high-frequency antennas for Blue Origin's TeraWave global network. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to antenna system design from the ground up.

You will lead the design, analysis, simulation, testing, and integration of high-performance antenna systems for our next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. In this role, you will own the resolution of complex technical challenges related to reflector geometries, feeds, RF performance, and phased-array architectures, ensuring reliable, high-throughput connectivity for users worldwide.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the design and development of antenna systems, including reflectors, feeds, radiating elements, and sub-reflectors for Q-, V-, and E-band applications.

• Own electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools such as HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize antenna performance and drive key design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system architecture.

• Lead prototype fabrication, assembly, and RF testing activities, including near-field, far-field, and environmental testing.

• Own the full antenna hardware lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, and radiation testing).

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design analyses, test reports, requirements, and design review materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering and 7+ years of experience in RF antenna design, or an M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field and 5+ years of experience in RF antenna design.

• Experience designing antenna elements and antenna-in-package solutions for microwave and mmWave phased-array applications.

• Solid understanding of electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly phased arrays.

• Proven experience leading the design and development of antennas and associated hardware from concept through validation.

• Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., TICRA, HFSS, or CST).

• Understanding of the trade-offs among analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming architectures.

• Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electromagnetics or Antennas.

• Proven track record of taking a complex antenna system from initial concept through production and successful deployment, ideally for space applications.

• Experience designing and developing high-frequency antennas operating in the mmWave spectrum, including Q-, V-, and E-bands.

• Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC technologies and T/R module design considerations.

• Knowledge of array calibration techniques and algorithms.

• Experience with aerospace, defense, or wireless communications systems.

• An active top secret clearance or eligibility to obtain and maintain a top secret clearance.

Base Pay 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, 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.