Principal Hardware Systems Architect – Phased Array User Terminal Verified today

About the role

Blue Origin is pioneering space-based communications with TeraWave, a satellite network delivering symmetrical data speeds up to 6 Tbps via optically interconnected LEO and MEO satellites.

As Principal Hardware Systems Architect, you will own the end-to-end hardware architecture of the next-generation user terminal. You will define system-level 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 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 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 or more years of hardware engineering experience, with 4 or more 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 or Geostationary user terminal development program.

Compensation

Base pay range for CA and WA applicants: $230,773.00 to $323,081.85. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Performance bonuses may be available based on role type and job level.

Employment requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum. Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions.