Senior RF Communications Systems Engineer – Ground Segment

BLUE ORIGIN

. Report to the Blue National Security Ground Data Systems Manager .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $144,179 - $219,522 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in developing and integrating space-to-ground communications systems, with a strong focus on requirements management, verification, and validation processes. Proficient in utilizing advanced communication standards and tools to support diverse mission objectives and enhance operational capabilities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Space-To-Ground Communications Systems DevelopmentCCSDS OSI Stack ExpertiseCommunications Link Budget DevelopmentGround Data Systems Requirements ManagementSatellite Tool Kit Simulations

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

RF/Communications DevelopmentRequirements Verification and ValidationRadiometric RangingDoppler SystemsDelta-DOR SystemsGround ModemsSpectrum AnalyzersOscilloscopesChannel CodingModulation Formats

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationCollaborative TeamworkTrust BuildingInclusive Culture Contribution

Tools & Technologies

Satellite Tool KitDOORS Next GenerationJiraConfluenceWindchillGit

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringGround Data SystemsSpacecraft OperationsNASA Deep Space NetworkOptical CommunicationOperational Fault ManagementSafety Analysis Techniques

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Report to the Blue National Security Ground Data Systems Manager
Lead and perform RF/Communications development, testing, and deployment across space and ground boundaries throughout the full system lifecycle
Build and maintain strategic technical capabilities for space-to-ground spacecraft operations across varied mission concepts, orbits, and ground station providers
Identify, derive, develop, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements, including traceability and verification and validation approaches
Collaborate with flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration & Test, external vendors, and ground station providers
Define ground data system and communications architectures for diverse mission and customer requirements
Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents
Plan, perform, and document requirements verification and validation for Ground Data Systems
Plan and perform product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to software releases, operations training, and flight
Support improvements to Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering processes and tools
Analyze Space-Ground System operability and support justified improvements
Travel up to 25% in support of test and flight operations

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field
10+ years of technical experience developing space-to-ground communications systems and ground systems
10+ years of technical experience across the complete CCSDS OSI stack
Strong experience developing communications link budgets
Strong experience integrating commercial or civil ground stations and networks, including NASA Deep Space Network
Experience with space communication systems for Lunar, CisLunar, or deep-space missions
Proficiency with communication standards and protocols, modulation formats, channel coding, and advanced waveforms
Strong experience with radiometric ranging, Doppler, or Delta-DOR systems
Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit simulations with RF link analysis reports
Extensive experience with ground modems, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and oscilloscopes
Experience across a complex system lifecycle
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Ability to travel in support of test and flight operations
Ability to earn trust, maintain professional relationships, and contribute to an inclusive culture
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident/current Green Card holder, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylee
Preferred: M.S. in a related technical field
Preferred: RF spectrum licensing experience
Preferred: Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems including Avionics, TT&C, and/or RF Payloads
Preferred: Optical communication and Ground Optical Terminals experience
Preferred: Requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation
Preferred: Operational fault management and safety analysis techniques including FHA, FMECA, and FTA
Preferred: Jira, Confluence, and other project management software tools
Preferred: Version control, preferably Git
Preferred: Configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill
Preferred: Experience working with and proposing to U.S. Government research agencies

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation provided
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, and company results