layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect at Blue Origin | LAYIQ

Define and own end-to-end RF communications architectures for Mars and cislunar telecommunications programs, including Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C), proximity links, relay crosslinks, and mission data links spanning Earth-to-Mars and Earth-to-Moon distances
Lead architecture trades and system-level analyses to evaluate deep space frequency bands (S-, X-, Ka-band, and UHF), waveforms, link budgets, modulation and coding schemes, and high-gain antenna configurations optimized for extreme range and signal propagation environments
Develop comprehensive deep-space link budgets and performance analyses that account for extreme distances, signal degradation, and latency challenges of interplanetary communications
Develop and maintain communications architecture documentation including concept of operations (CONOPS), interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture definition documents (ADDs) aligned with NASA LunaNet, Moon-to-Mars (M2M), and CCSDS interoperability standards
Collaborate with mission engineering, systems engineering, payload, and ground systems teams to ensure end-to-end communications compatibility and performance across Martian & cislunar relay network architectures
Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams, including spacecraft design, mechanical, thermal, power systems, and flight software, to ensure seamless integration, verification, and successful operation of deep space communications systems throughout the mission lifecycle
Oversee the integration of high-gain antenna systems and advanced signal processing techniques to maximize data throughput across interplanetary distances
Engage with government customers, program offices, commercial partners, and international stakeholders to capture requirements, present architectures, and influence program direction for deep space telecommunications infrastructure
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to RF and communications engineers across the Blue National Security organization
Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis of estimates, and architecture white papers for deep space telecommunications pursuits
Identify and assess emerging RF and optical communications technologies, evolving deep space standards (e.g., CCSDS Proximity-1, LunaNet Interoperability Specification), and spectrum coordination frameworks relevant to Mars & cislunar mission environments
Lead the technical development of delay/disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) protocols optimized for interplanetary communications
Ensure compliance with applicable deep space spectrum regulations, ITU/NTIA frequency coordination requirements, NASA SCaN architecture standards, and ITAR
Partner with the Mission Engineering & Architecture leadership team to align deep space communications architectures with broader mission and system-level strategies for Martian and lunar exploration

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
Experience in RF communications testing and in-orbit test (IOT) support, including development and execution of RF test procedures, validation of system performance, and support for integration, launch, and on-orbit verification activities
Direct experience with previous interplanetary mission communications systems
Familiarity with NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) interfaces, LunaNet Interoperability Specification, CCSDS Proximity-1 protocol, and Moon-to-Mars (M2M) architecture standards
Experience with hybrid RF and optical/laser communications architectures for deep space relay and high-data-rate mission links
Knowledge of deep space spectrum management, frequency coordination, and ITU/NTIA/SFCG regulatory processes applicable to cislunar and Mars frequency allocations
Experience with Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols and contact graph routing for intermittent deep space link environments
Experience with autonomous communications systems and fault management for deep space missions
Experience supporting competitive proposal efforts for deep space exploration or government space programs
Prior experience in an architect or chief engineer role with cross-functional technical leadership responsibilities
Active TS//SCI security clearance
Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
VA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
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, 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Principal Deep Space RF Communications Architect

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