Analog Mixed-Signal IC Design Engineer (Data Converters) - TeraWave

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.

We are seeking a Principal IC Design Engineer with extensive hands-on experience in the design of high-speed data converters in advanced FinFET technology nodes. You will be responsible for leading the development of ADCs and DACs and for delivering state-of-the-art performance circuits while contributing to innovative solutions that drive Blue Origin's mission of enabling millions 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 will be based onsite in San Diego, CA or Cupertino, CA sites. A temporary remote work exception is approved while our San Diego site is being developed.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the architecture, development and integration of advanced high-speed data converters (ADCs and DACs), as well as other fundamental analog/mixed-signal functions in advanced FinFET CMOS technologies, focusing on performance optimization, power and trade-off analysis.
• Develop high-level behavioral models in MATLAB, Simulink, or SystemVerilog-AMS to validate system performance before circuit implementation.
• Utilize full proficiency in Spectre and AMS flows to develop high-performance mixed-signal circuits and systems.
• Collaborate with system architects to define block-level performance and interface requirements based on system specifications, ensuring seamless integration into RF payloads and terminals.
• Oversee layout, top-level integration, floorplanning, and verification of the overall design for successful tape-out cycle.
• Work closely with validation and product engineers to develop test plans, facilitate bring-up, optimize performance, and ensure reliable & high-yield production cycles.
• Investigate and implement fundamental analog building blocks to enhance overall circuit performance and mentor junior engineers for best design practices in analog domain.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience, or the combination of industry experience and equivalent research from a PhD program.
• Proficiency in the design of high-speed ADCs and/or DACs in FinFET technologies.
• Proficiency in the design of SerDes for high-speed data converters such as DACs.
• Familiarity with analog-to-digital conversion architectures and techniques such as SAR, pipeline, TDC, delta-sigma, interleaved sampling, RF, and sub-sampling.
• Understanding of digital calibration algorithms for impairments of said architectures and techniques.
• Proficiency in mixed-mode and analog/RF modeling, simulation, and verification methodologies using toolsets such as MATLAB, Spectre, SystemVerilog, and AMS.
• Deep understanding of Electromigration and layout-dependent effects on circuit performance, namely in advanced FinFET technologies.
• Extensive experience in silicon characterization and debugging.
• Strong background in fundamental analog/RF building blocks, including amplifiers, filters, oscillators, reference generation and LDOs.
• Must 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline
• Familiarity with RF design concepts and metrics such as noise figure, intercept points, line-up analysis, etc.
• Prior experience as a Chip lead for complex front-end IC design and development.
• Fundamental understanding of device physics for process selection and performance optimization.
• Familiarity with chip-level ESD protection design and verification.
• Familiarity with digital design, digital verification, and SystemVerilog modeling.
• Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $269,175.00 - $376,843.95
• 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, 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