Systems Engineer III (RF / Microwave Systems)
Blueorigin· Space· Oct 19, 2026 · 9d ago
Denver CO
Hybrid
Full-time
Senior
$131K–$183K
5+ years exp
Job description
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 Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.
Systems Engineer III (RF/Microwave Systems)
Blue National Security | Special Programs | Mission Engineering & Architecture
The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space-based capabilities in support of national security missions. Within the Special Programs organization, this team operates at the forefront of mission engineering and architecture, developing next-generation space systems that address the most demanding and consequential challenges in the defense domain.
Special Mentions
Relocation assistance is available for this position
Travel expectation: up to 10%
This is an individual contributor role
An active TS//SCI security clearance is required prior to start
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Develop and maintain system-level requirements for advanced space-based sensing systems, ensuring traceability from mission objectives through subsystem specifications
Conduct system architecture trade studies and analyses to evaluate design alternatives, performance margins, and technical feasibility
Author and review key systems engineering artifacts including Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs)
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including payload, spacecraft, ground systems, and mission operations to ensure end-to-end system coherence
Support design reviews and provide technical inputs to R&D program milestones
Perform link budget analyses and RF system performance assessments relevant to space-based sensing architectures
Study the design, analyze, and optimize UHF-band antenna systems , including aperture sizing, beam pattern characterization, polarization, and gain/noise performance in the space environment
Evaluate antenna integration trades including deployable structures, phased array configurations, and feed network design at UHF frequencies
Engage with government customers and mission partners to understand operational needs and translate them into actionable system requirements
Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and technical performance measurement (TPM) tracking throughout the program lifecycle
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
5 years of experience in systems engineering within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain
Demonstrated experience with UHF-band antenna design , including analysis of antenna performance parameters (gain, beamwidth, polarization, impedance matching) in space or airborne environments
Experience with phased array antenna systems, including electronically steered arrays (ESAs) at UHF frequencies
Proficiency in RF system performance analysis, including link budgets and system noise figure calculations
Experience developing and managing system-level requirements using requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, or equivalent)
Familiarity with systems engineering processes and standards (e.g., NASA/DoD SE frameworks, MIL-STD-499, or equivalent)
Experience with space-based RF sensing or surveillance system architectures
Familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) signal processing concepts and their implications on system design
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical documentation and present to different audiences
Active TS//SCI security clearance
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
Master s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field
Experience with radar system performance modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or custom simulation environments)
Familiarity with space environment effects on RF systems, including ionospheric propagation, Faraday rotation, and thermal cycling impacts on antenna structures
Prior experience working within a Special Programs or classified program environment
Experience interfacing with DoD or Intelligence Community (IC) customers
Base Pay Range for:
VA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70 CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55
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.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave