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Deep Space Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). This position is located in El Segundo, CA . You ... SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery ...

TRIAEM, LLC

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced ... A deep understanding of secure architectures and the ability to operate effectively within highly ...

TRIAEM, LLC

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA

$146K - $234K/yr

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced ... A deep understanding of secure architectures and the ability to operate effectively within highly ...

TRIAEM, LLC

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Space Systems Engineer Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced ... A deep understanding of secure architectures and the ability to operate effectively within highly ...

SAIC

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to provide onsite systems ... SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery ...

Peraton

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced engineering support across all ... A deep understanding of secure architectures and the ability to operate effectively within highly ...

Peraton

Space Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Responsibilities The KPMO Space Systems Engineer provides advanced engineering support across all ... A deep understanding of secure architectures and the ability to operate effectively within highly ...

Astrion

Space Systems Engineer - Mid-Level - TGAB

FL · On-site

Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), ATLAS, and other systems that are part of the United States Space Force portfolio. Types of tasks include test and evaluation, test support, logistics ...

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Deep Space Systems information

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$43K

$109.5K

$166.5K

How much do deep space systems jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for deep space systems in the United States is $109,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or missions do deep space systems professionals typically work on?

Deep Space Systems professionals are often involved in designing, developing, and testing spacecraft, satellites, and related subsystems intended for interplanetary exploration, scientific research, or communications beyond Earth orbit. They may work on high-profile missions led by organizations like NASA, ESA, or private aerospace companies, focusing on propulsion, guidance, communication, and environmental control systems. Daily tasks frequently involve design reviews, system integration, hardware and software troubleshooting, and collaborative work with scientists, engineers, and mission planners. This role offers opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking missions, often requiring both technical specialization and the ability to operate in highly innovative, cross-functional teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the deep space systems position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Deep Space Systems role, you need strong expertise in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and satellite or spacecraft design, typically supported by an engineering degree and experience in space mission development. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools like MATLAB, CAD software, and simulation environments, as well as knowledge of NASA or ESA mission protocols and relevant certifications, is essential. Outstanding problem-solving, project management, and communication skills are vital for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and adapting to complex, evolving challenges. These skills and qualities are important to ensure mission reliability, safety, and the successful deployment and operation of deep space technologies.

What is a deep space systems?

A Deep Space Systems job involves designing, developing, and operating spacecraft, instruments, and technologies for missions beyond Earth's orbit. Professionals in this field work on navigation, communication, propulsion, and system integration for deep space exploration. They may contribute to robotic and human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, collaborating with space agencies like NASA or private aerospace companies. Their expertise ensures spacecraft can function autonomously in extreme environments far from Earth.

More about Deep Space Systems jobs
What cities are hiring for Deep Space Systems jobs? Cities with the most Deep Space Systems job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Deep Space Systems jobs? The most popular types of Deep Space Systems jobs are:
What states have the most Deep Space Systems jobs? States with the most job openings for Deep Space Systems jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Deep Space Systems jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Deep Space Systems jobs are:
Deep Space Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Deep Space Systems job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,527 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect

Blue Origin, LLC

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

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.
The role is part of the Blue National Security (BNS) business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space capabilities in support of our nation's most critical exploration & national security missions.
As a Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect within the Advanced Capabilities organization, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining and driving end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications and PNT programs. You will shape the communications backbone of next-generation deep space systems - spanning TT&C, proximity links, relay crosslinks, and Earth-to-deep-space mission data links - and influence program direction from concept through execution. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the forefront of Blue Origin's deep space exploration mission, enabling humanity's long-term presence on the Moon and Mars.
Special Mentions
  • Preferred Location: Any Blue Origin location, including Los Angeles, CA; Denver, CO; Space Coast, FL; Reston, VA; or Kent, WA (Seattle area) offices.
  • Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to one of the primary Blue Origin office locations
  • Travel: Up to 25% travel may be required depending on work location and program needs.
  • Clearance: An active TS//SCI is preferred though not required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), proximity links, relay crosslinks, and mission data links spanning Earth-to-Mars and Earth-to-Moon distances
  • Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate deep space frequency bands (S-, X-, Ka-band, and UHF), waveforms, link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, and high-gain antenna configurations optimized for extreme range and signal propagation environments
  • Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
  • Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs) aligned with NASA LunaNet, Moon-to-Mars (M2M), and CCSDS interoperability standards
  • Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance across Martian & cislunar relay network architectures
  • Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams, including spacecraft design, mechanical, thermal, power systems, and flight software, to ensure seamless integration, verification, and successful operation of deep space communications systems throughout the mission lifecycle
  • Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
  • Engage with government customers, program offices, commercial partners, and international stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction for deep space telecommunications infrastructure
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Blue National Security organization
  • Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for deep space telecommunications pursuits
  • Identify and assess emerging RF and optical communications technologies, evolving deep space standards (e.g., CCSDS Proximity-1, LunaNet Interoperability Specification), and spectrum coordination frameworks relevant to Mars & cislunar mission environments
  • Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
  • Ensure compliance with applicable deep space spectrum regulations, ITU/NTIA frequency coordination requirements, NASA SCaN architecture standards, and ITAR
  • Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align deep space communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies for Martian and lunar exploration

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
  • 12+ years of experience in RF systems engineering, communications systems design, or closely related disciplines, with a proven track record in the development, integration, and deployment of space-segment communications systems
  • Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and integrating TT&C, proximity link, relay crosslink, and/or mission data link systems for space vehicles or satellites
  • Proven expertise in RF link budget analysis, waveform design, modulation and coding techniques, and antenna system architecture, design, and performance evaluation for deep space or long-range applications
  • Strong understanding of deep space link budget analysis, accounting for extreme distances, planetary occultations, and solar interference
  • Experience with high-gain antenna systems, including design, pointing requirements, and performance optimization
  • Experience using industry-standard RF communications design, modeling, and simulation tools, including Cadence AWR, Ansys HFSS & STK, MathWorks Simulink, and MATLAB
  • Ability to flow down communication system requirements into RF component-level performance specifications for RFP development and procurement activities
  • Experience working on deep space, cislunar, or planetary exploration programs and familiarity with associated government and commercial customers
  • Strong technical communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to both technical and executive audiences
  • Experience developing architecture documentation and contributing to proposal efforts

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
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience in RF communications testing and in-orbit test (IOT) support, including development and execution of RF test procedures, validation of system performance, and support for integration, launch, and on-orbit verification activities
  • Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
  • Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) interfaces, LunaNet Interoperability Specification, CCSDS Proximity-1 protocol, and Moon-to-Mars (M2M) architecture standards
  • Experience with hybrid RF and optical/laser communications architectures for deep space relay and high-data-rate mission links
  • Knowledge of deep space spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA/SFCG regulatory processes applicable to cislunar and Mars frequency allocations
  • Experience with Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols and contact graph routing for intermittent deep space link environments
  • Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
  • Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for deep space exploration or government space programs
  • Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities
  • Active TS//SCI security clearance

Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
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.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000

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