SENIOR MANAGER - OPTICAL TEST & MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

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!  

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The 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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. 

Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an experienced Senior Manager to lead our Optical Test organization. In this role, you will establish and manage optical and electrical laboratory development while implementing critical test methodologies for the TeraWave constellation. 

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 and manage a team of engineers focused on optical test development and validation for the TeraWave constellation 

• Establish optical and electronic laboratory infrastructure, including equipment specifications and workflow processes 

• Develop and implement laser safety programs and protocols across R&D and production environments 

• Create validation frameworks for optical hardware, improving fault detection through systematic measurement approaches 

• Manage personnel, including hiring, workload planning, performance evaluations, and mentorship/development of staff 

• Coordinate with program management teams to manage plans and schedules related to optical test development 

Areas where you may provide additional leadership include: 

• Single-point-diamond turning operations and quality control processes 

• Manufacturing test procedure development 

• Production transition planning 

• Cross-functional collaboration with systems, electrical, and mechanical teams 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field 

• 10+ years of experience in optical systems testing, free-space optical communications, or related fields 

• 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams or as main focal for specific projects 

• Experience establishing and managing optical laboratory infrastructure 

• Knowledge of laser safety protocols and procedures 

• Experience with optical metrology techniques 

• Background in test and validation methodologies for optical systems 

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills 

• Excellent communication and leadership skills 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline 

• Experience with optical communications systems for space applications 

• Background in laborator