RF Communications Senior Manager - Lunar Permanence

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!  

As Communications (RF) Senior Manager you will lead the technical and people management aspects of the design, development, integration, and delivery of the Communications Subsystem for our lunar missions. You will serve as technical authority for RF communications, own key technical and process baselines, manage and mentor a high-performing team, and be accountable for delivering mission-critical hardware and software in a dynamic development environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Technical Leadership
  • Define, own, and control the RF communications technical baseline, performing technical work and providing leadership of the highest caliber.
  • Lead the full subsystem life cycle – from concept, requirements, architecture, and design through analysis, integration, verification, and validation for lunar missions.
  • Develop, track, and maintain analyses and simulations (e.g., link analysis, signal distortion, system capacity, coverage analysis) and drive technical excellence using advanced engineering fundamentals.
  • Lead definition of vehicle and subsystem interfaces and functional allocations; champion the standard application of SE tools (DOORS, Windchill, Cameo, etc.) across Communications engineering.
  • Owns the development, refinement, and continuous improvement of technical processes, tools, and best practices in communications engineering.
  • Mentor and provide technical direction/feedback to engineers and serve as communications subject matter expert internally and externally.
  • Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analyses, recovery plans, and risk burn-down for complex development or flight issues in the Comms Subsystem.
  • Drive completion of subsystem and system-level V&V activities, including reviewing and authoring subsystem test plans and supporting lab, environmental, or field test efforts.
• Project/Program Management
  • Define, own, and control subsystem schedule and cost baselines; manage competing priorities in a dynamic development environment.
  • Manage external procurements and internal dependencies to meet delivery milestones.
  • Drive programmatic and project excellence through a data-driven approach; balance technical performance, schedule, and budget.
• People Leadership
  • Manage a team of engineers to specify, design, analyze, manufacture, integrate, test, and deliver mission-critical communications hardware and software.
  • Recruit, hire, manage, and mentor equitable, high-performing teams.
  • Manage your direct reports’ professional development, including coaching, performance reviews, and career development.
  • Serve as primary spokesperson/point of contact for the communications area to leadership, external customers, and technical partners.
• Cross-Functional & External Engagement
  • Develop and manage relationships across Blue Origin and with external partners, representing the organization as technical expert.
  • Collaborate directly with NASA and National Team Partners to deliver on Human Landing System program objectives.
  • Represent Blue Origin with external consortiums or technical committees/societies, as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field; M.S. or Ph.D. preferred.
• 8+ years relevant experience in the full life cycle development of RF communications or avionics systems, including requirements, design, integration, test, and operations.
• 5+ years managing technical teams, leading multidisciplinary projects, or technical leadership in communications systems.
• Proven technical expertise in RF Communications, including high-fidelity link budgets, system integration, verification and validation, and system safety.
• Experience with software tools such as MATLAB, STK, HFSS, and RF/antenna design and analysis tools.
• Familiarity with standards such as DVB-S2, CCSDS, RS-422, Spacewire, I2C, etc.; experience with space-rated hardware/software.
• Resource management experience, including staffing, budgeting, and scheduling for multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with verification, integration, and test of integrated subsystems or systems on a spacecraft.
• Experience with space vehicle mission operations.
• Experience managing suppliers/subcontracts and working with NASA or government partners.
• Familiarity with Agile project management, risk management, and Earned Value Management.

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, 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.

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.

• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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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