Principal Hardware Systems Architect - User Terminal (San Francisco)
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 Hardware Systems Architect to define and lead the end-to-end architecture of our next-generation satellite user terminal. In this role, you will own system-level hardware design across RF antenna arrays, high-speed digital processing, power systems, and mechanical integration. You will drive the technical roadmap, make critical architectural and component trade-offs, and guide a cross-functional engineering team to deliver a high-performance, cost-optimized product at scale. Core Responsibilities Own the end-to-end system block diagram, defining the hardware architecture, power distribution, data pathways, and grounding schemes for the user terminal. Evaluate and select critical components, including main SoCs, high-speed transceivers, memory, and peripherals, balancing performance, power efficiency, and bill-of-materials (BOM) cost. Act as the primary technical anchor connecting RF, Electrical, Mechanical, and Embedded Software teams to resolve multi-disciplinary interface challenges. Define the thermal dissipation strategy and high-voltage power delivery frameworks to support high-power beamforming states. Drive the hardware through the entire product lifecycle from initial architecture to global, high-volume mass manufacturing, partnering closely with contract manufacturers (CMs) and suppliers to optimize assembly yields, execute factory test strategies, and reduce unit costs. Establish the technical metrics, validation plans, and compliance strategies required for international wireless deployment (FCC Part 25/15, CE, ETSI). Required Qualifications Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a highly related technical field. 10 years of hardware engineering experience, with 4 years acting as a Principal Systems Architect or Lead Architect delivering complex wireless, radar, or satellite communication products. Deep technical understanding of phased array antenna physics, digital beamforming architectures, high-speed digital buses (PCIe, SerDes, Ethernet), and RF front-ends. Strong background in defining layout constraints for massive, multi-layer mixed-signal boards, with a focus on strict signal/power integrity and EMI containment. Proven track record of architecting hardware intended for high-volume manufacturing, with deep knowledge of DFM/DFA constraints and supply chain trade-offs. Preferred Qualifications Understanding of the interaction between RF-transparent radome polymers (like ASA or polycarbonates), hydrophobic coatings, and high-frequency microwave arrays. Previous engineering leadership role in a major Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geostationary (GEO) user terminal development program. Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 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 Affi 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. J-18808-Ljbffr
