BLUE ORIGIN

Principal Microwave Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Office

Location: Los Angeles • California • United States

Visit company website

Explore more

✨ AI Apply
Apply

Salary

💰 $183,193 - $256,469 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Lead the design, simulation, and validation of next generation RF microwave components for advanced phased array antenna applications in microwave and millimeter-wave bands (e.g., X, Ku, Ka)
  • Architect scalable, phased array antenna RF front-end tailored to platform-specific constraints including size, weight, power, thermal, and environmental factors
  • Lead the development of RFIC/MMIC and T/R modules for beamforming architectures—including analog, digital, and hybrid approaches—collaborating closely with antenna and systems engineers to define the complete RF signal chain
  • Perform advanced RF circuit/system simulations, using tools like ADS, Cadence AWR, and MATLAB
  • Lead the integration and test of component level and system level phased array hardware
  • Lead RF front-end modules integration into phased array antenna and support environmental qualification efforts (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, radiation tolerance) for space-capable platforms
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide peer review of design artifacts, test plans, and results to ensure technical excellence
  • Interface with systems engineering, mechanical, firmware, and program leadership to align technical execution with product goals and timelines
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to propose architectural improvements and innovation pathways

Requirements

  • BS., M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience designing and validating phased array antenna systems
  • Background designing and testing analog Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs), including frequency conversion, automatic gain control, amplifier design and analog filter design
  • Experience designing high-frequency CCAs design/development for space applications
  • Understanding of allocating and flowing down requirements from the system to the component level
  • Familiarity with RFIC/MMIC design or selection for T/R modules for RF front-end development
  • Demonstrated expertise with commercial RF simulation tools (ADS, Cadence AWR, HFSS, CST, MATLAB)
  • Experience integrating RF circuit and phased arrays antenna into systems with environmental constraints such as thermal cycling, radiation, or vibration for space environment
  • Strong hands-on experience with microwave testing techniques, including using spectrum analyzers, Real-time Spectrum Analyzers (RSAs), Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs) and Performance Network Analyzer (PNAs)
Benefits
  • 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%
  • 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
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
RF microwave components designphased array antenna systemsRFIC designMMIC designanalog circuit designhigh-frequency circuit designbeamforming architecturescircuit Card Assemblies (CCAs)microwave testing techniquesenvironmental qualification
Soft Skills
leadershipmentoringcollaborationtechnical excellencecommunication
Certifications
BS in Electrical EngineeringM.S. in Electrical EngineeringPh.D. in Electrical EngineeringBS in Applied PhysicsM.S. in Applied PhysicsPh.D. in Applied Physics