Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave

Job Title

Principal Modem PHY IP Design Engineer - Terawave

Role Summary

Design and deliver modem physical-layer (PHY) IP for the TeraWave satellite communications program, supporting high-throughput ASIC and prototyping platforms. Work across systems, ASIC, RF, verification, FPGA, firmware, and validation teams to translate algorithms into hardware-ready PHY blocks and support integration and silicon bring-up.

Experience Level

Senior (Principal) — candidate is expected to have extensive technical leadership and domain expertise; posting specifies 10+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include architecture, implementation, and validation of modem PHY functions:

• Design and develop modem PHY IP for Terawave ASICs and prototypes.
• Contribute to PHY algorithm development and hardware architecture (modulation/demodulation, synchronization, channel estimation, equalization, FEC integration, MIMO/beamforming, impairment mitigation).
• Create floating-point, fixed-point, and bit-accurate models; perform fixed-point analysis and quantization studies.
• Translate system/link requirements into implementation-ready PHY block specifications and partition algorithms for efficient hardware (ASIC/FPGA) implementation.
• Perform performance analysis and trade studies across throughput, latency, area, and power.
• Define interfaces and support subsystem integration within the modem/baseband architecture.
• Collaborate with verification teams on test strategies, reference models, and coverage; analyze simulation, emulation, FPGA, lab, and silicon data to debug and improve performance.
• Support FPGA prototyping, silicon bring-up, and documentation of design assumptions and performance results.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience:

• 10+ years of experience in wireless communications, modem PHY design, DSP, or ASIC/FPGA-based baseband development.
• Strong background in digital communications theory and modem implementation.
• Experience in one or more of: OFDM or single-carrier systems, synchronization algorithms, channel estimation and equalization, adaptive modulation and coding, FEC (LDPC, Polar, Turbo, BCH), fixed-point analysis, MIMO/beamforming techniques.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++.
• Practical experience translating algorithms into hardware-oriented architectures for ASIC or FPGA implementation.
• Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills; ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-have:

• Familiarity with RTL design and verification flows, FPGA prototyping, lab characterization, and silicon bring-up.
• Experience with mmWave/sub-THz/Terahertz systems, satellite/space communications, 5G/6G, or high-throughput wireless backhaul/mesh systems.
• Knowledge of RF and mixed-signal impairments (phase noise, carrier offset, nonlinearities, calibration) and experience working with external IP vendors or design partners.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field. Preferred: Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Signal Processing, Communications, or related field.

About the Company

Company: Blue Origin

Headquarters: Kent, Washington, United States

Blue Origin is an American aerospace company developing technologies for spaceflight, including reusable launch vehicles, orbital and suborbital systems, and space infrastructure for commercial and government customers.