{"id":182038,"url":"https://alion.io/job/blueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer","title":"Principal Emulation & Prototyping Engineer","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":"B","score":78,"open_postings":308,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.89,"repost_share":0.003,"time_to_fill_p50_days":29,"computed_at":"2026-10-17T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"remote","remote_scope":"stated_countries","remote_scope_basis":"board_field","remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["San Diego, United States","Cupertino, United States","United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":["US"],"hiring_countries_total":1,"salary":{"min":230398,"max":322556,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":322556},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"Cadence Palladium","optional":false},{"name":"Cadence Protium","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"Siemens Veloce","optional":false},{"name":"Synopsys HAPS","optional":false},{"name":"Synopsys ZeBu","optional":false},{"name":"SystemVerilog","optional":false},{"name":"Verilog","optional":false},{"name":"C++","optional":true},{"name":"LLM","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-08-31T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-08-31","last_verified_at":"2026-10-17T06:56:00Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":47,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":47},"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 communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.Job Description\nThe Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide\nThe digital system comprises two ASICs: a high-throughput modem and a DSP-intensive digital beamforming (DBF) chip, with first tapeout targeted for 2027. This is Blue Origin's first in-house silicon, which means the development strategy, methodology, and infrastructure are being defined now - and we are hiring senior engineers and technical leads to define them.\nOur strategy treats constrained-random simulation, formal methods, and pre-silicon hardware platforms as equal first-class tools, with dedicated engineers for each. This role owns the hardware platforms end to end, across two complementary capabilities:\nEmulation primary targeting pre-silicon vehicle for design and verification bring-up, \nFPGA prototyping driving DSP and beamforming datapaths against real data converters, RF front ends, antenna hardware, and lab instrumentation at scaled sample rates.\nYou will define the platform strategy, select and deploy the hardware, build the flows, and stand up a nightly image service that the rest of the program runs on - because none of it exists today.\nWireless communications experience is welcome but not required. If you want to define methodology and tooling rather than consume someone else's, that opportunity is genuinely available here.\nResponsibilities:\nDefine and build Blue Origin's pre-silicon emulation and prototyping capability from the ground up.\nDevelop platform strategy, flows, and infrastructure, and lead tradeoff studies covering capacity, build turnaround, debug visibility, and cost.\nEvaluate and recommend platform choices, including commercial emulation systems (e.g., Palladium, Veloce, ZeBu), commercial prototyping systems (e.g., Protium, HAPS), off-the-shelf boards, and custom board solutions.\nOwn the end-to-end build flow: partitioning, synthesis, constraints, implementation, and timing closure for large SoC and subsystem designs across single- and multi-FPGA targets.\nAdapt designs for the platform, including clock and reset restructuring, memory model substitution, and replacement of hard IP with platform equivalents.\nDefine the rate-reduction strategy for DSP and beamforming prototyping - decimation, clock ratios, reduced beam and element counts - and establish, with architecture and modeling, the fidelity criteria that show a scaled slice is representative of the full design.\nBuild hardware-in-the-loop platforms connecting DSP and beamforming datapaths to real converters, RF front ends, and antenna hardware, including data converter interfacing, coherent multi-channel clock distribution, and latency-deterministic data paths.\nEstablish and operate a nightly build service producing qualified images on a predictable cadence, with versioning, release notes, and rollback, and define the qualification tests that validate each image before release.\nDevelop transactors, speed bridges, host-side software, and test harnesses that connect designs to reference models, test equipment, and real-world interfaces.\nManage platform capacity, scheduling, and allocation across competing users, and forecast future capacity needs against program milestones.\nDebug at platform level - signal capture, waveform tracing, transaction-level debug - and triage failures with design and verification teams to isolate root cause.\nPartner with RF, antenna, and DSP teams on lab integration, calibration, and end-to-end signal chain validation.\nProduce and maintain user documentation, onboarding material, and usage guidance so teams can operate independently.\nBasic Qualifications:\nBS+10, MS+8, or PhD+6 years in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.\nHands-on experience with FPGA implementation tools and flows (synthesis, constraints, place and route, timing closure) and with commercial emulation platforms.\nStrong hands-on RTL skills in SystemVerilog or Verilog, including the ability to read, modify, and debug production RTL you did not author.\nExperience defining and deploying FPGA prototyping or emulation flows, including build automation and release management.\nExperience bringing up large digital designs on FPGA or emulation platforms.\nProficiency in Tcl, Python, or similar scripting for build automation, flow development, and CI integration.\nExperience with lab and board-level bring-up and debug, using on-chip probes, waveform capture, and lab instrumentation.\nExperience supporting internal users of a shared platform or flow, including triage, documentation, and direct technical support.\nAbility to work effectively across cross-site, multidisciplinary engineering teams.\nPreferred Qualifications:\nBackground in space-based communications, wireless communications, or modem/baseband hardware.\nExperience prototyping DSP or communications datapaths, including LDPC/FEC, framing, or beamforming logic.\nExperience with high-speed interfaces on FPGA - JESD204B/C, multi-gigabit transceivers, DDR memory controllers, PCIe, or Ethernet.\nExperience with mixed-signal or RF lab integration, including data converter interfacing, coherent clocking and jitter budgets, and instrumentation-driven test.\nExperience with host-side software development (C/C++, DPI, SCE-MI) for transactors, speed bridges, and test harnesses.\nExperience bringing up embedded processors and boot flows on FPGA, including ARM-based SoC FPGAs or soft-core processors.\nFamiliarity with advanced verification methodology, sufficient to reuse and adapt simulation content on platform.\nExperience applying AI/ML or LLM-based tooling to build triage, log analysis, or flow automation.\nBase Pay Range for:\nCA applicants is $230,398.00 - $322,556.85Other 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. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.","description_format":"text","description_chars":11260,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":true},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Life insurance","Parental leave","Stock options"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Space & Aerospace","Satellite Manufacturing","Ground Systems","Space Services"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-09-01T00:41:26Z"}],"visa":[{"country":"US","licensed_sponsor":true,"evidence":"Filed H-1B visas in the last two years","filings_12m":0,"filings_prev_12m":1,"green_card_filings_12m":0,"median_offered_wage_usd":null,"route":null,"cap_exempt":false,"checked_at":"2026-10-15T11:24:14+00:00","sources":["US Department of Labor: LCA disclosure data (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3)"],"filings_for_role_12m":0}],"liveness":{"score":23,"band":"cold","label":"Long shot","p_open":1,"p_active":0.512,"p_room":0.45,"age_days":47,"expected_fill_days":29,"reasons":["conf:3","stale_co","velocity","win:tail","comp:brand"],"computed_at":"2026-10-17T05:46:00Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":322556,"is_top_pay":true},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/blueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/blueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-10-17T12:51:18Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":17155,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-10-18T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":3698},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=3698"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fblueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fblueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fblueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/blueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fblueorigin-principal-emulation-prototyping-engineer"}]}