Senior RF Communications Systems Engineer, TT&C Lead

BLUE ORIGIN

. Own and lead the TT&C subsystem architecture, including RF communications, antennas, transceivers, amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion, interfaces, and ground-system connectivity .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $181,626 - $254,275 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in RF communications systems engineering, including architecture development, link budget analysis, and subsystem requirements management. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor engineers in RF/microwave design and testing.

Highest-signal resume keywords

RF Communications Systems EngineeringEnd-to-End RF Communications ArchitectureLink Budget DevelopmentRF Simulation and Analysis ToolsTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

RF CommunicationsMicrowave EngineeringAntenna DesignSignal ProcessingSystem Requirements DefinitionPerformance AnalysisRF Test EquipmentAnalog Signal ChainsDigital CommunicationsPCB Design

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentoringTechnical DirectionProblem SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Keysight ADSAWR Microwave OfficeVNAsSpectrum AnalyzersSignal GeneratorsPower MetersPythonMATLAB

Industry Keywords

TT&C Subsystem ArchitectureSpacecraft CommunicationsSatellite CommunicationsSpace/Aerospace EngineeringEnvironmental Qualification Testing

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and lead the TT&C subsystem architecture, including RF communications, antennas, transceivers, amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion, interfaces, and ground-system connectivity
Define end-to-end TT&C communications architecture based on mission requirements, operational concepts, link availability, data rates, coverage, reliability, SWaP-C, and risk
Lead development and allocation of TT&C subsystem requirements
Develop TT&C CONOPS and communication scenarios for command, telemetry, tracking, acquisition, safe modes, nominal operations, contingencies, and ground-station interactions
Lead RF communications architecture and technology trade studies
Lead end-to-end RF link budget and communications performance analysis
Lead RF cascade analysis covering gain, noise figure, dynamic range, compression, phase noise, spurious performance, and intermodulation products
Define and manage RF and TT&C interfaces with spacecraft bus, avionics, flight software, GNC, power, thermal, and ground systems
Lead and mentor the RF communications engineering team
Provide technical direction for RF/microwave hardware design and development
Review and approve RF designs, analyses, simulations, test plans, and verification results
Lead TT&C integration and verification plans, including component, subsystem, spacecraft-level, and end-to-end testing
Support spacecraft integration, test, troubleshooting, launch readiness, commissioning, and on-orbit TT&C operations
Resolve complex RF and communications system issues and coordinate technical decisions across disciplines
Maintain TT&C architecture documentation, requirements, interface control documents, link budgets, CONOPS, trade studies, test plans, and verification matrices
Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies
Establish staffing, technical capabilities, and resource requirements for the RF/TT&C organization
Mentor engineers and develop the technical capabilities of the RF communications team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related discipline
10+ years of professional experience in RF communications systems engineering, RF/microwave engineering, or a related field
Experience leading or owning RF communications or TT&C system architecture
Experience developing end-to-end RF communications architectures and link budgets
Experience defining, allocating, and verifying system and subsystem requirements
Strong experience with antennas, transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, filters, frequency conversion, and analog signal chains
Strong understanding of antennas, RF propagation, microwave engineering, and communications systems
Experience with RF simulation and analysis tools such as Keysight ADS, AWR Microwave Office, or similar
Experience with RF test equipment including VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters
Ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and make system-level engineering decisions
Excellent technical communication and documentation skills
U.S. citizenship or nationality, U.S. permanent residency, or lawful admission into the U.S. as a refugee or asylee
Required to complete Blue's Standard Background Check
Preferred: Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or a related discipline
Preferred: Experience as a TT&C subsystem lead, RF communications lead, or communications systems architect
Preferred: Spacecraft communications architectures and mission/constellation CONOPS experience
Preferred: Satellite-to-ground and/or inter-satellite communications experience
Preferred: Space or aerospace RF communications design and testing experience
Preferred: Spacecraft antennas, antenna characterization, and RF link performance experience
Preferred: Digital communications knowledge, including modulation, coding, synchronization, and data-link protocols
Preferred: Spacecraft environmental qualification and acceptance testing experience
Preferred: Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
Preferred: PCB schematic capture and RF/microwave PCB design experience
Preferred: Experience building and leading RF engineering teams
Preferred: Experience using generative AI tools for engineering analysis, automation, documentation, and workflows

Benefits

Comp & perks

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