Senior Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer - TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN

Principal Phased Array Antenna Engineer designing advanced phased array antennas for TeraWave satellite communications. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance and ensure cohesive design.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeSan Diego • California, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $264,103 - $369,743 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own significant components of the end-to-end design of advanced phased array antennas, from radiating element to the full array, for microwave and millimeter-wave applications (X, Ku, Ka-bands).
Define system-level RF architectures, including leading trades between analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming approaches to meet platform constraints (SWaP, thermal, etc.).
Guide and perform critical electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, and TICRA to optimize array performance, scan volume, and impedance matching.
Collaborate closely with RFIC/MMIC, T/R module, DSP, mechanical, and thermal engineers to define requirements and ensure a cohesive system design.
Oversee the entire hardware lifecycle, guiding the fabrication, characterization, and environmental qualification (e.g., thermal-vac, vibration, radiation) of antenna systems.
Mentor other engineers and drive technical excellence through rigorous design reviews and data analysis.

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 10+ years of experience in RF antenna design or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna design.
Deep expertise in electromagnetic theory and its application to antenna design, particularly for phased arrays.
Proven experience leading the design of an antenna or phased array system.
Proficiency with at least one major 3D electromagnetic simulation tool (e.g., HFSS, CST).
Understanding of the trade-offs between different beamforming architectures (analog, digital, hybrid).
Familiarity with antenna measurement techniques and anechoic chamber testing.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Antenna Measurement TechniquesElectromagnetic SimulationSystem-Level RF ArchitecturesImpedance MatchingEnvironmental Qualification

Soft Skills

MentoringCollaborationTechnical Excellence