Principal DSP Engineer

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 The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit. As a Principal DSP Architect at Blue Origin, you will be at the forefront of developing the communications technologies that will enable millions of people to live and work in space. You will be a foundational member of a new, in‑house team dedicated to designing and producing high‑frequency phased array antennas. This is a rare opportunity to build a critical capability from the ground up, architecting phased array and software‑defined radio (SDR) systems that will fly on Blue Origin's next‑generation spacecraft. In this role, you will be the technical anchor for our phased array development. You will leverage your deep expertise in digital beamforming, SDRs, and digital signal processing to guide a multidisciplinary team from early concepts to flight‑qualified hardware. This position is ideal for a hands‑on architect who thrives on solving complex DSP challenges while also leading and mentoring a team of talented engineers. You will report to the In‑Space Systems RF Comms team and help us build the future of space communications, Gradatim Ferociter. Responsibilities Serve as the technical lead and architect for software‑defined radio (SDR) and Electronically Scanned Array (ESA) systems, managing the technical plan from design and development through to testing and qualification. Lead research and design of novel DSP algorithms for beamforming, channel estimation, equalization, and synchronization; model and simulate these algorithms in MATLAB. Guide the implementation of algorithms onto hardware targets (FPGAs/ASICs), overseeing the transition from floating‑point simulation to efficient, fixed‑point hardware realization. Partner with digital design, RF, and software engineers to define interfaces, allocate requirements, and ensure the successful integration and performance of the end‑to‑end system. Own the technical performance of the DSP implementation on target hardware, working with digital designers to optimize for power, area, and throughput. Evaluate and select third‑party IP and solutions, making critical trade‑offs between in‑house development and external procurement. Minimum Qualifications B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 7+ years of experience in digital communications or signal processing. Demonstrable expertise in designing, modeling, and/or implementing algorithms for phased array antenna systems. Strong understanding of digital communication theory, including channel estimation, equalization, timing recovery, and beamforming. Experience with architecture and development of Software‑Defined Radios (SDRs). Experience modeling systems and algorithms using MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent. Familiarity with the implementation of DSP algorithms on FPGAs or ASICs. Preferred Qualifications M.S. or Ph.D. in a related field. Experience directly leading a small technical team or acting as a system architect. Hands‑on experience with VHDL or System Verilog and EDA tools (e.g., Vivado, Quartus). Experience with the full digital design flow, including RTL simulation, synthesis, and achieving timing closure. Knowledge of ASIC design considerations and DFT verification (Tessent, Primetime, etc.). Experience taking a complex RF communications system from concept through to validation and deployment in an aerospace or mission‑critical environment. Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $177,857.00-$248,999.10; CO applicants is $168,414.00-$235,778.55; WA applicants is $177,857.00-$248,999.10 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 (CDL drivers only), 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. 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. 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