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!

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with Tera Wave, 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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Senior Principal Engineer to lead the systems architecture for optical and opto-mechanical systems for the Tera Wave constellation. In this role, you will provide technical leadership in pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, link budget development, and ground and on-orbit calibration methodologies.

Special Mentions:

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Travel expectations: Up to 25% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the systems architecture for optical communications in the Tera Wave constellation

• Develop and own core system performance models, including link budgets and acquisition algorithms

• Design and implement pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems for reliable optical links

• Create on-orbit calibration methodologies to ensure optimal system performance

• Lead technical trade studies for optical architectures, balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost

Areas where you may provide additional leadership include:

• Optical telescope and gimbal system design

• End-to-end testbed development for optical communications

• Next-generation initiatives beyond the baseline constellation architecture

• Cross-functional collaboration with GNC and vehicle teams

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field

• 15+ years of experience in optical systems engineering or related fields

• Demonstrated expertise in optical communications system architecture

• Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems for space applications

• Strong background in link budget development and analysis

• Experience with optical system modeling and simulation

• Knowledge of on-orbit calibration techniques

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with optical inter-satellite links or free-space optical communications

• Background in telescope design and optical system optimization

• Knowledge of star tracker systems and spacecraft attitude determination

• Experience with environmental testing and qualification of space hardware

• Background in developing end-to-end optical testbeds

• Experience with optical metrology techniques

• Patent portfolio in optical communications or related technologies

• Experience with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V

Why Blue Origin:

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Principal Engineer for Optical Systems Architecture, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary optical communication technologies for the Tera Wave constellation. You'll work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $194,121.00 - $271,768.35
WA applicants is $194,121.00 - $271,768.35

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 (CDL drivers only), 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

Benefits

• Benefits 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.

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.