Principal Radar and Radio Frequency Sensors Engineer

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!  

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a hardworking team of multi-disciplinary engineers, you will be the single threaded leader for development of radar systems for autonomous navigation and other applications for Blue Origin’s spacecraft. You will lead a multidisciplinary team for development of radar and other radio frequency (RF) sensor systems from early concepts to product prototypes to initial flight units. This role is deeply interdisciplinary and requires coordination among a group of internal stakeholders and suppliers.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

• Develop, execute, and manage plans for the design, development, test, and qualification of radar sensor systems for autonomous spacecraft navigation 

• Lead a team of engineers and technicians across multiple product teams to guide the design and development, and deliver qualified radar and RF sensor product solutions on schedule and budget 

• Work with guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) and other product teams to identify needs for radar systems, support formulation of sensor architectures, and deliver radar product definitions that meet navigation requirements 

• Serve as subject matter expert on radar systems and other RF sensor applications 

• Routinely collaborate with manufacturing operations, supply chain, and other teams within the company to ensure smooth execution of the development efforts 

• Identify cross-cutting capabilities and needs across Blue Origin, consolidate demand, and formulate efficient strategies for development of radar and RF sensor capabilities 

• Work with the GN&C and other product teams to understand their product portfolio, long term applicability, and inform development of their RF sensor and navigation product roadmaps  

• Develop RF sensor product evolution plans and strategies, execute projects for their continuous improvement, and oversee their infusion in to our spacecraft 

• Relentlessly look for opportunities to increase performance, enable new capabilities and bolder missions, reduce cost, and reduce cycle time/production time  

Minimum Qualifications: 

• M.S. in Physics, electrical engineering or related areas of study 

• 10+ years of experience in end to end development of RF sensor systems 

• Demonstrated experience in leading teams for the development, prototyping, testing of complex radio frequency sensors or instruments for aerospace, automotive, or robotics 

• Proficiency of fundamentals of RF system development - radar system design and analysis, radar principles, and experience in RF system modeling and simulation 

• Deep knowledge of RF sensor components, and analysis equipment  

• Experience in waveform design, signal processing techniques and algorithms for radar sensor measurements such as altimetry and Doppler velocimetry

• Experience in product schedule, cost, delivery, and supplier management 

• Ability to challenge status-quo, break down issues to their fundamental elements, and drive efficient product solutions with emphasis on long term goals and product sustainability  

• Excellent verbal communication skills to influence a variety of direct and indirect stakeholders.  

• Strong technical background or technical writing experience.  

• 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: 

• PhD in Physics, Aerospace Engineering with focus on RF engineering and digital signal processing

• Knowledge of RF sensor applications to space navigation including autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD), and autonomous precision landing and hazard detection 

• Knowledge of synthetic aperture techniques 

• Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams through successful product deliveries 

 

Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35 WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.