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# Sr. Principal Hardware Systems Architect - User Terminal

- **Company:** Blue Origin
- **Location:** Redmond, WA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $264,103.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Biometrics, Computer Engineering, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Hardware Design, Network Planning and Design, PCI Express, Systems Architecture, Front End Software Development
- **Published:** October 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/sr-principal-hardware-systems-architect-user-terminal-redmond-wa--bf459058-f28f-420b-9249-a630e522e1d0

## About the Role

System Architecture, Hardware Architecture, Problem Solving Skills, Satellite Communications, Network Design, International Operations, System Architecture, Hardware Design, Radio Frequency, Hardware Architecture, * Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a highly related technical field.

 * 10+ years of hardware engineering experience, with 4+ years acting as a Principal Systems Architect or Lead Architect delivering complex wireless, radar, or satellite communication products.
 * Deep technical understanding of phased array antenna physics, digital beamforming architectures, high-speed digital buses (PCIe, SerDes, Ethernet), and RF front-ends.
 * Strong background in defining layout constraints for massive, multi-layer mixed-signal boards, with a focus on strict signal/power integrity and EMI containment.
 * Proven track record of architecting hardware intended for high-volume manufacturing, with deep knowledge of DFM/DFA constraints and supply chain trade-offs.

Preferred Qualifications

 * Understanding of the interaction between RF-transparent radome polymers (like ASA or polycarbonates), hydrophobic coatings, and high-frequency microwave arrays.
 * Previous engineering leadership role in a major Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Geostationary (GEO) user terminal development program.

## Description

We are seeking a Principal Hardware Systems Architect to define and lead the end-to-end architecture of our next-generation satellite user terminal. In this role, you will own system-level hardware design across RF antenna arrays, high-speed digital processing, power systems, and mechanical integration.

You will drive the technical roadmap, make critical architectural and component trade-offs, and guide a cross-functional engineering team to deliver a high-performance, cost-optimized product at scale.

Core Responsibilities

 * Own the end-to-end system block diagram, defining the hardware architecture, power distribution, data pathways, and grounding schemes for the user terminal.
 * Evaluate and select critical components, including main SoCs, high-speed transceivers, memory, and peripherals, balancing performance, power efficiency, and bill-of-materials (BOM) cost.
 * Act as the primary technical anchor connecting RF, Electrical, Mechanical, and Embedded Software teams to resolve multi-disciplinary interface challenges.
 * Define the thermal dissipation strategy and high-voltage power delivery frameworks to support high-power beamforming states.
 * Drive the hardware through the entire product lifecycle from initial architecture to global, high-volume mass manufacturing, partnering closely with contract manufacturers (CMs) and suppliers to optimize assembly yields, execute factory test strategies, and reduce unit costs.
 * Establish the technical metrics, validation plans, and compliance strategies required for international wireless deployment (FCC Part 25/15, CE, ETSI)., 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