Principal Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Communications System Engineer

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!  

We are seeking a Principal Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) Communications System Engineer to lead the architecture, design, integration, and validation of spacecraft TT&C communication systems. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable end-to-end communications between spacecraft and ground systems across all mission phases, from launch through on-orbit operations.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in RF systems, satellite communications architecture, and system-of-systems engineering, with a strong track record of delivering mission-critical space communication solutions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead end-to-end system design of TT&C communication architectures for space missions
• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary engineering team comprising RF, antenna, and DSP engineers to deliver integrated communication solutions
• Develop and maintain RF link budgets across all mission phases (LEOP, commissioning, nominal operations)
• Define system requirements, interfaces, and performance specifications for TT&C subsystems
• Integrate spacecraft communication systems with ground stations, antennas, modems, and network infrastructure
• Perform system-level analysis including signal integrity, link availability, and margin assessments
• Ensure robust command uplink and telemetry downlink performance under varying orbital and environmental conditions
• Support spacecraft integration, testing, validation, and launch readiness activities
• Troubleshoot and resolve RF and communications anomalies during testing and operations
• Coordinate with RF, flight dynamics, avionics, payload, and mission operations teams
• Support regulatory compliance activities (frequency allocation, licensing, ITU/FCC coordination)
• Lead technical reviews, design audits, and verification/validation campaigns
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and contribute to team technical growth

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline
• 8–12+ years of experience in satellite communications, RF engineering, or space systems engineering
• Strong expertise in TT&C system design and satellite communications link analysis
• Hands-on experience with RF system modeling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or equivalent)
• Solid understanding of modulation schemes, coding, synchronization, and Doppler effects in space links
• Experience with S-band, X-band, and/or Ka-band communication systems
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and ground segment architectures
• Strong analytical, debugging, and system-level problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with operational satellite missions or spacecraft commissioning
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards and space communication protocols
• Experience with phased array antennas, adaptive beamforming, or advanced RF systems
• Knowledge of spectrum management and international regulatory frameworks (ITU, FCC)
• Programming/scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and analysis
• Experience working in high-reliability or mission-critical aerospace environments
• Prior technical leadership or systems engineering ownership experience

Base Pay 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 (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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.