Principal RF/mmWave IC Layout Design Engineer – TeraWave at Blue Origin in San Diego, CA

Job description

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. Job Description We are seeking a Principal RF/mmWave IC Layout Design Engineer to lead the physical implementation and top-level integration of state-of-the-art RF/mmWave integrated circuits at Blue Origin. In this role, you will drive custom layout for high-performance RF, mmWave, analog, and mixed-signal ICs used in advanced payloads, terminals, and next-generation communication systems. You will work closely with RFIC, analog, and mixed-signal teams to implement and integrate cutting-edge front-end circuits. Your leadership in block-level execution, chip-level planning, physical verification, parasitic optimization, and tape-out readiness will be critical to realizing compact, high-performance RF/mmWave system architectures. This role requires deep hands-on expertise in RF/mmWave layout, strong technical leadership, and the ability to guide layout methodology, mentor contributors, and coordinate execution across internal and external teams. Your work will directly support Blue Origin’s mission of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. 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 (preferred); or Cupertino, CA. Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To: Lead the physical design and implementation of state-of-the-art RF/mmWave ICs, including transmitter and receiver front-end blocks such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, variable-gain amplifiers, mixers, multipliers, VCOs, frequency synthesizers, and supporting analog/RF circuitry. Drive block-to-top integration, including chip-level floorplanning, power and ground planning, signal routing, ESD strategy, pad assembly, density fill, and design-for-manufacturability requirements. Lead compact chip-level integration approaches that optimize RF performance, isolation, area, reliability, and manufacturability. Perform and debug physical verification, including DRC, LVS, ERC, antenna checks, density checks, and related sign-off requirements. Support parasitic extraction and post-layout analysis; collaborate with circuit designers to resolve performance, coupling, EM, IR, reliability, and extraction-related issues. Develop layout schedules, identify implementation risks and dependencies, and deliver verified layouts aligned with program milestones and tape-out schedules. Prepare and release final layout databases to the foundry, including support for tape-out readiness reviews and mask database delivery. Lead layout reviews, define and document best practices, and mentor less-experienced layout engineers and designers. Coordinate layout execution across internal teams, third-party design partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across multiple locations. Minimum Qualifications: B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. 10+ years of professional experience in RF/mmWave, analog, or mixed-signal custom IC layout and physical implementation. Extensive hands-on experience with high-frequency RF/mmWave IC layout in technologies such as RF CMOS,