{"id":3585727,"url":"https://alion.io/job/blue-origin-principal-rfmmwave-ic-layout-design-engineer-terawave","title":"Principal RF/mmWave IC Layout Design Engineer – TeraWave","company":{"id":3698,"name":"Blue Origin","domain":"blueorigin.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/blueorigin","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":91,"open_postings":245,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.376,"repost_share":0.004,"time_to_fill_p50_days":45,"computed_at":"2026-11-04T06:34:25Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["San Diego, United States","Cupertino, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":269175,"max":376843,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":376843},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":10,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Cadence Quantus","optional":false},{"name":"Cadence Virtuoso","optional":false},{"name":"Siemens Calibre","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-30T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-30","last_verified_at":"2026-11-04T17:03:40Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":6,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":6},"description":"Application close date:\nApplications 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!\nBlue 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\nWe 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.\nYou 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.\nThis 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.\nSpecial Mentions:\nRelocation provided.\nTravel expected up to 10% of the time.\nInterviews will include a technical assessment.\nThis role is based onsite in San Diego, CA (preferred); or Cupertino, CA.\nResponsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To:\nLead 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.\nDrive 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.\nLead compact chip-level integration approaches that optimize RF performance, isolation, area, reliability, and manufacturability.\nPerform and debug physical verification, including DRC, LVS, ERC, antenna checks, density checks, and related sign-off requirements.\nSupport parasitic extraction and post-layout analysis; collaborate with circuit designers to resolve performance, coupling, EM, IR, reliability, and extraction-related issues.\nDevelop layout schedules, identify implementation risks and dependencies, and deliver verified layouts aligned with program milestones and tape-out schedules.\nPrepare and release final layout databases to the foundry, including support for tape-out readiness reviews and mask database delivery.\nLead layout reviews, define and document best practices, and mentor less-experienced layout engineers and designers.\nCoordinate layout execution across internal teams, third-party design partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across multiple locations.\nMinimum Qualifications:\nB.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.\n10+ years of professional experience in RF/mmWave, analog, or mixed-signal custom IC layout and physical implementation.\nExtensive hands-on experience with high-frequency RF/mmWave IC layout in technologies such as RF CMOS, SOI, SiGe, or related advanced semiconductor processes.\nSuccessful completion of multiple IC product lifecycles or tape-outs, preferably including high-volume or mission-critical chipsets.\nStrong expertise in layout and integration of RF transmitter and receiver front-end circuits, including one or more full TX/RX chains.\nDirect experience laying out RF/mmWave blocks such as LNAs, PAs, mixers, VCOs, frequency synthesizers, phase shifters, VGAs, multipliers, and RF passives.\nStrong understanding of device-level layout techniques, including matching, symmetry, shielding, common-centroid layout, interdigitation, guard rings, and isolation structures.\nStrong understanding of parasitic effects, coupling mechanisms, grounding strategies, substrate noise isolation, differential routing, and RF signal integrity.\nExperience with analog building blocks such as operational amplifiers, bias generators, temperature sensors, LDOs, ADCs, DACs, and related support circuitry.\nStrong understanding of physical design sign-off flows, including LVS, DRC, ERC, parasitic extraction, EM/IR analysis, current density, and electromigration requirements.\nProficiency with IC layout and verification tools such as Cadence Virtuoso/Virtuoso XL, Siemens Calibre, Quantus, EMX, or equivalent tools.\nExperience with top-level integration, including floorplanning, hierarchical integration, ESD, pad integration, density fill, DFM, and tape-out preparation.\nStrong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently on complex layout challenges while influencing technical direction across teams.\nMust be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident/current Green Card holder, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nPrior experience managing or technically leading a layout team, including mentoring layout engineers and coordinating multiple contributors.\nExperience with beamforming front-end ICs, phased-array architectures, or highly integrated RF/mmWave transceivers.\nExperience with high-performance IC development using III-V technologies such as GaAs or GaN.\nExperience implementing and optimizing RF passive structures, including inductors, transformers, capacitors, transmission lines, baluns, and matching networks.\nBase Pay Range for:\nCA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95Other site ranges may differ\nCulture Statement\nDon’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.\nExport Control Regulations\nApplicants 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.\nBackground Check\nRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check\nRequired 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\nRequired 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.\nRequired 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\nBenefits\nBenefits 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.\nStock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)\nPaid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.\nDependent 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. \nEqual Employment Opportunity\nBlue 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.\nAffirmative Action and Disability Accommodation\nApplicants 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 . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. 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