Principal Telemetry, Tracking & Command; TT&C) Communications System Engineer

Principal Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Communications System Engineer

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 Tera Wave, 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 Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Communications System Engineer to lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of spacecraft TT&C communication systems. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable end-to-end communications between spacecraft and ground systems across all mission phases, from launch through on-orbit operations.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in RF systems, satellite communications architecture, and system-of-systems engineering, with a strong track record of delivering mission-critical space communication solutions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead end-to-end system design of TT&C communication architectures for space missions
• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering team comprising RF, antenna, and DSP engineers to deliver integrated communication solutions
• Develop and maintain RF link budgets across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, nominal operations)
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance specifications for TT&C subsystems
• Integrate spacecraft communication systems with ground stations, antennas, modems, and network infrastructure
• Perform system-level analysis including signal integrity, link availability, and margin assessments
• Ensure robust command uplink and telemetry downlink performance under varying orbital and environmental conditions
• Support spacecraft integration, testing, validation, and launch readiness activities
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF and communications anomalies during testing and operations
• Coordinate with RF, flight dynamics, avionics, payload, and mission operations teams
• Support regulatory compliance activities (frequency allocation, licensing, ITU/FCC coordination)
• Lead technical reviews, design audits, and verification/validation campaigns
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and contribute to team technical growth

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 8–12+ years of experience in satellite communications, RF engineering, or space systems engineering
• Strong expertise in TT&C system design and satellite communications link analysis
• Hands-on experience with RF system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or equivalent)
• Solid understanding of modulation schemes, coding, synchronization, and Doppler effects in space links
• Experience with S-band, X-band, and/or Ka-band communication systems
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and ground segment architectures
• Strong analytical, debugging, and system-level problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with operational satellite missions or spacecraft commissioning
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards and space communication protocols
• Experience with phased array antennas, adaptive beamforming, or advanced RF systems
• Knowledge of spectrum management and international regulatory frameworks (ITU, FCC)
• Programming/scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and analysis
• Experience working in high-reliability or mission-critical aerospace environments
• Prior technical leadership or systems engineering ownership experience

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $ - $; WA applicants is $ - $

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

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