Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave

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!  

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

We are seeking a Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer to support the design and development of advanced modem physical layer (PHY) IP for the Terawave program. This role will contribute to the architecture, modeling, implementation, integration, and validation of modem PHY functions for next-generation high-performance wireless ASIC solutions. 

 

The ideal candidate brings strong technical depth in digital communications and modem design, along with hands-on experience translating algorithms into implementation-ready hardware architectures. This engineer will work closely with systems, ASIC, RF, verification, FPGA, firmware, and validation teams to deliver robust and efficient PHY IP. 

 

Responsibilities 

· Design and develop modem PHY IP for Terawave ASIC and prototyping platforms. 

· Contribute to PHY algorithm development and hardware architecture for functions such as: 

o   modulation and demodulation 

o   timing and frequency synchronization 

o   channel estimation and tracking 

o   equalization 

o   FEC integration 

o   MIMO / beamforming support 

o   impairment mitigation and calibration support 

· Translate system and link requirements into implementation-ready PHY block specifications. 

· Develop floating-point, fixed-point, and bit-accurate models for modem PHY functions. 

· Perform performance analysis and trade studies across throughput, latency, area, and power. 

· Work with architecture and RTL teams to partition algorithms into efficient hardware implementations. 

· Support interface definition and subsystem integration for PHY IP within the broader modem/baseband architecture. 

· Collaborate with verification teams to define test strategies, reference models, and coverage plans. 

· Analyze simulation, emulation, FPGA, lab, and silicon data to debug design issues and improve PHY performance. 

· Support bring-up and validation of modem PHY features in FPGA prototypes and silicon. 

· Document design assumptions, architecture decisions, performance results, and implementation details. 

· Work effectively with internal teams and external design partners to help drive execution. 

 

Minimum Qualifications 

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or related technical field. 

· 10+ years of experience in wireless communications, modem PHY design, DSP, or ASIC/FPGA-based baseband development. 

· Strong background in digital communications theory and modem implementation. 

· Experience in several of the following areas: 

o   OFDM and/or single-carrier systems 

o   synchronization algorithms 

o   channel estimation and equalization 

o   adaptive modulation and coding 

o   FEC such as LDPC, Polar, Turbo, or BCH 

o   fixed-point analysis and quantization 

o   MIMO or beamforming techniques 

· Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, C/C++, or similar tools for modeling and simulation. 

· Experience translating algorithms into hardware-oriented architectures for ASIC or FPGA implementation. 

· Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills. 

· Ability to work across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

· Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, Communications, or related field. 

· Experience with modem PHY design for: 

o   mmWave / sub-THz / Terahertz systems 

o   satellite or space communications 

o   5G/6G systems 

o   high-throughput wireless backhaul or mesh systems 

· Familiarity with RTL design and verification flows. 

· Experience with FPGA prototyping, lab characterization, and silicon bring-up. 

· Knowledge of RF and mixed-signal impairments such as phase noise, carrier offset, nonlinearities, and calibration effects. 

· Experience working with external IP vendors or design service partners. 

· Ability to work effectively in an ambiguous, fast-moving development environment. 

 

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95

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.

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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
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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.

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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.