Principal Modem PHY IP Design Verification Engineer - Terawave
Blueorigin· enterprise· Space· Aug 31, 2026 · 2mo ago
Central Texas
In office
Full-time
Principal
$269K–$377K
10+ 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!
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 Verification Engineer to lead and execute verification of advanced modem PHY IP for the Terawave program. This role is responsible for developing robust verification strategies, building scalable verification environments, and ensuring high-quality modem PHY IP delivery for next-generation wireless ASIC platforms.
The ideal candidate combines strong digital design verification skills with a solid understanding of modem PHY and DSP systems. This engineer will work closely with PHY architects, RTL designers, systems engineers, firmware, FPGA, and validation teams to verify functionality, performance, and integration of modem PHY IP across simulation, emulation, prototyping, and silicon bring-up phases.
Responsibilities
· Develop and execute verification strategy and plans for modem PHY IP and subsystem-level integration.
· Build and maintain block-level and subsystem-level verification environments for PHY IP using industry-standard methodologies.
· Create testbenches, stimulus, checkers, scoreboards, assertions, and coverage models to verify modem PHY functionality and corner cases.
· Verify key PHY IP functions such as:
o modulation and demodulation
o timing and frequency synchronization
o channel estimation and equalization
o MIMO / beamforming support
o FEC integration
o control, configuration, and status interfaces
o impairment handling and recovery behavior
· Collaborate with PHY algorithm and architecture teams to correlate RTL behavior against floating-point, fixed-point, or bit-accurate reference models.
· Define and track functional, code, assertion, and scenario coverage to ensure verification completeness .
· Develop constrained-random and directed test strategies for feature, stress, and corner-case validation.
· Identify, debug, and root-cause design and integration issues in collaboration with RTL and architecture teams.
· Support verification of performance-sensitive designs with attention to throughput, latency, buffering, and protocol timing behavior.
· Contribute to regression automation, CI flows, and verification infrastructure improvements.
· Support subsystem integration, FPGA prototyping, emulation, and post-silicon debug as needed.
· Document verification plans, test results, coverage status, and quality metrics.
· Work effectively with internal engineering teams and external design service partners to drive verification closure.
Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering , Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
· 10 years of experience in digital design verification, ASIC/SoC verification, or modem/baseband verification.
· Strong experience with SystemVerilog and modern verification methodologies such as UVM .
· Experience developing verification environments for complex DSP, modem, or communications IP.
· Familiarity with one or more of the following modem PHY areas:
o OFDM and/or single-carrier systems
o synchronization
o channel estimation and equalization
o FEC such as LDPC, Polar, Turbo, or BCH
o MIMO / beamforming
o fixed-point and quantized signal processing
· Experience with scripting and automation using Python, Perl, shell , or similar tools.
· Strong debugging and problem-solving skills across RTL, testbench, and model correlation issues.
· Ability to work closely with design, architecture, and systems teams in a fast-paced development environment.
Preferred Qualifications
· Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering , Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, Communications, or related field.
· Experience verifying modem PHY or baseband IP for:
o mmWave / sub-THz / Terahertz systems
o satellite or space communications
o 5G/6G systems
o high-throughput wireless backhaul or mesh systems
· Experience with MATLAB, C/C , or Python-based reference models for algorithm correlation.
· Familiarity with assertions, formal verification, lint, CDC, RDC, and low-power verification methodologies.
· Experience with emulation, FPGA prototyping, and post-silicon validation/debug.
· Knowledge of RF/system impairments and their impact on modem PHY behavior, including phase noise, frequency offset, nonlinearities, and channel effects.
· Experience working with external IP vendors or design service partners.
Ability to operate 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.
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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