Reflector/Feed Antenna Engineer - TeraWave Verified today

About TeraWave

Blue Origin is pioneering space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. The multi-orbit constellation consists of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO).

Your Responsibilities

• Reflector Architecture - Lead design and trade studies for high-gain reflector systems (Cassegrain, Gregorian, Offset-fed) meeting strict gain, beamwidth, and sidelobe requirements at E-band.
• Feed System Development - Own the mm-Wave feed chain, including corrugated horns, OMTs, and diplexers supporting dual-circular polarization for 71-76 GHz (downlink) and 81-86 GHz (uplink).
• EM Simulation - Model large-aperture performance using PO/GTD tools (GRASP/TICRA) and full-wave solvers (HFSS/CST), optimizing spillover, illumination, and aperture efficiency.
• Tolerance & Sensitivity - Perform mechanical and thermal sensitivity analyses on surface RMS error, feed alignment, vertex offsets, and structural deformation.
• Cross-Functional Integration - Work with Mechanical and Thermal teams to select low-CTE materials and manufacturing processes that preserve RF performance in space environments.
• Test & Verification - Define test plans and lead anechoic-chamber characterization of flight hardware, focusing on axial ratio, isolation, and high-frequency gain patterns.
• Vendor & Build Management - Interface with specialized E-band fabrication vendors, ensuring manufacturability and guiding hardware from EM concept to flight-ready configuration.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years RF antenna experience, or M.S./Ph.D. with 3+ years.
• Deep understanding of EM theory applied to reflector geometries and aperture efficiency optimization.
• Demonstrated ownership of a reflector or complex feed-system program from concept through hardware delivery.
• Proficiency with PO/GTD tools (TICRA/GRASP) and 3D full-wave solvers (HFSS, CST).
• Experience designing dual-CP feed systems with strong axial-ratio and isolation performance.
• Familiarity with 70+ GHz measurement techniques, including far-field/near-field testing and waveguide-band VNA calibration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in EE with focus on mm-Wave EM, antennas, or quasi-optics.
• Experience designing hardware for 71-76 / 81-86 GHz space systems, including thermal-stability considerations.
• Expertise with OMTs, septum polarizers, corrugated horns, and high-rejection diplexers.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze reflector surface RMS and feed alignment sensitivities.
• Experience with CNC micro-milling, diffusion bonding, or additive manufacturing for E-band components.
• Knowledge of low-CTE materials (Invar, graphite-cyanate ester) and their RF behavior across extreme thermal gradients.

Compensation and Location

Base pay range for WA applicants: $164,652.00 to $230,512.80. Other site ranges may differ.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, onsite role in the Greater Seattle Area. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).
• Up to four weeks paid time off per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Performance bonuses based on individual contributions (not guaranteed).