Sr. Principal Engineer – Optical Communications & Avionics – 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 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.

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 exceptional Senior Principal Engineer to lead the development of avionics systems for the TeraWave constellation. In this role, you will provide technical leadership in the design, development, and qualification of critical optical and electrical systems that enable high-speed, reliable inter-satellite links and ground communications. 

Special Mentions: 

• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. 
• Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Lead the architecture and design of systems for space-based optical communications
• Develop avionics systems and PCBA designs for optical intersatellite links 
• Establish technical requirements and specifications for optical and electrical interfaces
• Lead electrical testing and qualification campaigns for flight hardware 
   

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related technical field 
• 15+ years of experience in optical communications, photonics, or related fields 
• Demonstrated expertise in fiber amplifier design and optimization for space applications 
• Experience with PCBA design through all phases including architecture, schematic capture, and layout 
• Strong knowledge of electro-optomechanical assemblies and electrical design 
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles for space-qualified hardware 
• Background in reliability testing and qualification for space environments 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with optical intersatellite links or free-space optical communications 
• Knowledge of FPGA design and hardware implementation 
• Experience with space-qualified fiber amplifiers and optical components 
• Background in developing optical communication link budgets 
• Experience with Python or other programming languages for test automation 
• Knowledge of thermal management techniques for optical systems in space 
• Experience with interface control documents (ICDs) for spacecraft subsystems 
• Patent portfolio in optical communications or related technologies 

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 Communications & Avionics, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary optical communication technologies for the TeraWave constellation. You'll work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access