Beamforming Systems & Simulation Engineer at Blue Origin · Seattle

Beamforming Systems & Simulation Engineer
Location: Bay Area, CA
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
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.
Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Beamforming Systems & Simulation Engineer to develop and own system-level modeling and performance analysis for large-scale phased-array satellite communication systems. This engineer will work at the intersection of communications systems, antenna arrays, beamforming algorithms, RF systems, satellite geometry, and digital implementation.
The role will develop high-fidelity simulation frameworks used to define beamforming architecture, evaluate system performance, drive requirements, and assess design tradeoffs across antenna, RF, modem, FPGA/ASIC, and satellite subsystems.
Special Mentions
- Relocation provided
- Travel expected up to 10% of the time
- Interviews will include a technical assessment
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Develop and maintain end-to-end simulation frameworks for large phased-array satellite communication systems.
Model digital and hybrid beamforming architectures, including multi-beam operation, beam steering, beam shaping, and orthogonal beam generation.
Analyze array performance including beam patterns, sidelobes, scan loss, grating lobes, element patterns, array gain, and beam-to-beam interference.
Generate system-level coverage maps, SINR distributions, interference analysis, and link-performance statistics across satellite passes and service areas.
Incorporate satellite geometry, attitude, pointing errors, antenna orientation, and GNC inputs into beamforming simulations.
Model real-world array and RF impairments including amplitude/phase errors, calibration errors, element failures, quantization, coupling effects, and hardware constraints.
Integrate beamforming analysis with communication-system link budgets and translate system requirements into antenna, RF, and digital beamforming requirements.
Perform Monte Carlo and corner-case analysis to quantify performance margins and system robustness.
Evaluate beamforming architecture tradeoffs including number of beams, number of elements, digital chains, subarray configurations, beam overlap, and resource allocation.
Develop algorithms and models in MATLAB and/or Python, with opportunities to accelerate large-scale simulations using C/C++ or GPU/CUDA.
Work closely with Antenna, RF, Communications Systems, GNC, Modem/PHY, FPGA, and ASIC teams.
Support correlation of analytical and simulation models with hardware measurements, antenna characterization, and system-level testing.
Develop clear technical documentation and communicate simulation results and architectural recommendations to cross-functional engineering teams.
Minimum Qualifications
M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical field.
Strong background in phased arrays, beamforming, digital signal processing, or wireless communication systems.
Experience developing numerical/system-level simulation environments using MATLAB and/or Python.
Strong understanding of antenna arrays, array factors, beam steering, spatial processing, and RF/communications fundamentals.
Experience performing system-level performance analysis using metrics such as SINR, EIRP, G/T, coverage, interference, and link margin.
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate physical-system behavior into simulation models and engineering requirements.
Ability to work across antenna, RF, DSP, modem, FPGA/ASIC, and system engineering disciplines.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a   refugee or granted asylum.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with satellite or NTN communication systems.
Experience with large-scale multi-beam phased arrays.
Experience with link-budget-driven beamforming optimization and coverage analysis.
Understanding of OFDM/5G/3GPP physical-layer concepts.
Experience modeling satellite orbital geometry, attitude, or pointing errors.
Experience with GPU acceleration/CUDA, C/C++, or high-performance numerical computing.
Experience transitioning beamforming algorithms from MATLAB/Python models toward FPGA/ASIC implementation.
Experience correlating beamforming simulations with measured antenna or system data.

Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $192,051.00 - $268,870.35
WA applicants is $192,051.00 - $268,870.35
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, 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 Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Additional Locations: Greater Seattle Area