Microwave Test Engineer III - TeraWave

Location: Los Angeles, CA, Greater Seattle Area

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Application close date:

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!  

We are seeking a Test Engineer III to architect and lead the testing of advanced phased-array RF front-end systems designed for mission-critical, high-reliability space-based communications. This position will be a key technical contributor, responsible for driving validation strategy and execution from concept development through final qualification.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in testing RF units, including active phased arrays, using common RF test equipment, developing and automating test procedures, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where innovation must align with real-world constraints.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plan, write, and execute test plans and procedures for phased array antennas and RF subsystems
• Work with benchtop test sets to evaluate prototype RF devices and flight hardware units
• Be the driving force in developing, optimizing, and standardizing automated test suites geared towards high volume production
• Own test related issues and work towards expedient resolutions
• Provide inputs on testability of phased array designs
• Review subcontractor test plans and programs for RF units to be used in payload
• Assist in building out RF test labs and provide input to test capabilities needed at production sites
• Interact with vendors as part of lab build out and hardware development

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in RF antenna testing or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a related field with 3+ years of experience in RF antenna design.
• Strong background in RF test procedure development and execution
• Extensive experience with RF test equipment, such as spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, power meters and network analyzers
• Knowledge of RF calibration techniques (SOLT, TRL, etc.)
• Experience to automate test processes using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar tools
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Extensive experience in characterizing RF units, such as Power Amplifiers and Low Noise Amplifiers
• Experience with environmental testing needs and standards
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with RF simulation tools (ADS, HFSS, CST, etc.)
• Experience in aerospace, satellite, defense, or telecommunications industries
• Understanding of EMI/EMC testing
• Experience with RF hardware development and hardware troubleshooting and debugging
• Experience with aerospace, defense, or wireless communication systems

Compensation Range for:

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.

• 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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