Reflector/Feed Antenna 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.

You will lead the design and development of high‑frequency reflector antenna systems that form the core of Blue Origin’s in‑space communication architecture. This role owns the antenna system end‑to‑end—from concept and architecture through analysis, simulation, fabrication, and flight qualification. You will make decisions that directly determine deep‑space and LEO constellation communication performance.

Responsibilities:

• Reflector Architecture — Lead design and trade studies for high‑gain reflector systems (Cassegrain, Gregorian, Offset‑fed) meeting strict gain, beamwidth, and sidelobe requirements at E‑band.

• Feed System Development — Own the mm‑Wave feed chain, including corrugated horns, OMTs, and diplexers supporting dual‑circular polarization for 71–76 GHz (downlink) and 81–86 GHz (uplink).

• EM Simulation — Model large‑aperture performance using PO/GTD tools (GRASP/TICRA) and full‑wave solvers (HFSS/CST), optimizing spillover, illumination, and aperture efficiency.

• Tolerance & Sensitivity — Perform mechanical and thermal sensitivity analyses on surface RMS error, feed alignment, vertex offsets, and structural deformation.

• Cross‑Functional Integration — Work with Mechanical and Thermal teams to select low‑CTE materials and manufacturing processes that preserve RF performance in space environments.

• Test & Verification — Define test plans and lead anechoic‑chamber characterization of flight hardware, focusing on axial ratio, isolation, and high‑frequency gain patterns.

• Vendor & Build Management — Interface with specialized E‑band fabrication vendors, ensuring manufacturability and guiding hardware from EM concept to flight‑ready configuration.

Basic Qualifications:

• Education — B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years RF antenna experience, or M.S./Ph.D. with 3+ years.

• Electromagnetics — Deep understanding of EM theory applied to reflector geometries and aperture efficiency optimization.

• Design Leadership — Demonstrated ownership of a reflector or complex feed‑system program from concept through hardware delivery.

• Simulation Tools — Proficiency with PO/GTD tools (TICRA/GRASP) and 3D full‑wave solvers (HFSS, CST).

• Feed Chain Expertise — Experience designing dual‑CP feed systems with strong axial‑ratio and isolation performance.

• mm‑Wave Testing — Familiarity with 70+ GHz measurement techniques, including far‑field/near‑field testing and waveguide‑band VNA calibration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree — Ph.D. in EE with focus on mm‑Wave EM, antennas, or quasi‑optics.

• E‑Band Flight Heritage — Experience designing hardware for 71–76 / 81–86 GHz space systems, including thermal‑stability considerations.

• Component‑Level Specialization — Expertise with OMTs, septum polarizers, corrugated horns, and high‑rejection diplexers.

• Tolerance & POGO Analysis — Demonstrated ability to analyze reflector surface RMS and feed alignment sensitivities.

• Advanced Manufacturing — Experience with CNC micro‑milling, diffusion bonding, or additive manufacturing for E‑band components.

• Material Science — Knowledge of low‑CTE materials (Invar, graphite‑cyanate ester) and their RF behavior across extreme thermal gradients.

 

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80 WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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.