Sr Validation Engineer (RF, mmWave & Mixed-Signal) - TeraWave

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 connectivity with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

Blue Origin's Silicon Systems team designs the custom ASICs behind TeraWave, including mmWave front end integrated circuits and digital beamformers with high speed interfaces. As a Senior RF/mmWave & Mixed-Signal Validation Engineer, you prove that silicon works on the bench. You bring up first samples, characterize RF and mixed signal performance against specification, build the test automation that scales those measurements, and work with design, hardware, and software engineers to close the issues your data uncovers. You will also be the main owner of the RF/mmWave-IC validation lab, which means you set the bench architecture, select equipment, and define calibration practice. You will be guiding other validation engineers and lab technicians.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 10% of the time
• Interviews will include a technical assessment
• This role is based onsite in San Diego, CA, Bay Area, CA. A temporary remote work exception is approved while our San Diego site is being developed.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct RF, mmWave, and mixed signal testing using network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and vector signal generators
• Establish and expand test automation for bench top characterization of mmWave front end and beamformer devices
• Analyze, compile, and present test data to the design team for review and action and support test engineers with characterization data for ATE correlation
• Manage development of evaluation boards and reference design kits supporting silicon validation activities
• Collaborate with design, hardware, and software teams on debug and system level bring up
• Own the validation lab, including bench architecture, measurement capability, and calibration practices

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, or related technical field
• 7+ years of hands on experience validating and characterizing RF/mmWave-ICs with RF test equipment.
• Experience in full engineering characterization of highly integrated RF/mmWave transceiver ICs
• Expert knowledge and debugging skills on S-parameters, noise figure, P1dB, IP3, IMD, EVM, and stability metrics
• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python for test/validation automation
• Working knowledge of digital control interfaces such as SPI, I2C, I3C
• Familiarity using PCB CAD tools and high-speed PCB design fundamentals

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD degree in RF/Microwave Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience validating mmWave front end integrated circuits for phased arrays & satellite communication systems
• Experience characterizing digital beamformer ASICs and performing phased array calibration measurements
• Experience validating high speed digital interfaces & multi-Gbps data converters

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $230,398.00 - $322,556.85

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.