Senior Modem Communications Engineer

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on development, manufacturing, and operation of satellite systems to address one of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space mobility. As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers, the Modem Communications Engineer will play a critical role in the development and integration of our state-of-the-art Optical Modem enabling flexible high-data rate deep space optical communication links. Your expertise will ensure the seamless integration of complex functions such as waveform generation, modulation/demodulation, signal processing, and signal amplification.

• Relocation provided

• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the development from design to test and release of the Optical Modem
• Lead the development of photonics and digital signal processing subsystems
• Own the internal and external interfaces between optical, electrical, and high-speed data subsystems.
• Collaborate with avionics, power, and specialty engineering teams to ensure system-wide compatibility and performance.
• Work with DSP teams to perform HDL resource assessment for the optimized use of FPGA(s).
• Develop high level architecture to manage the modem state, local control loops, datapath, and housekeeping at the board level.
• Oversee the digital processing aspects, including framing, interleaving, DSP blocks, and precision time transfer protocols.
• Oversee the software design and development for the modem device configuration, command, health & status, and datapath.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Sciences, or related fields.
• Understanding of high-speed digital and analog circuitry and experience with FPGA-based system design.
• Experience interfacing with complex electronics, such as high-speed data buses and real-time processing hardware within an integrated electronics environment.
• Expertise in Software Defined Radios (SDRs) or digital signal processing, specifically in modulation and demodulation techniques suitable for lasercom, such as DPSK and BPSK modes.
• US citizenship required and eligibility to obtain a US government security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Domain-specific knowledge in optical communications with a focus on modem subsystem development.
• Experience with photonic integrated circuits, high-power optical amplifiers, and low-noise amplifiers for space-based systems.
• Experience with Tx/Rx laser sources and amplitude or phase control components.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard communication protocols including Ethernet, IEEE 1588, and NTP v.4.
• Experience directing efforts in collaboration with cross-functional teams for up-screening and qualification of commercial-grade parts for use in space environments.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and development of photonic systems.
• Familiarity with space hardware testing standards and practices for communication systems.
• Current Top Secret or TS/SCI Security clearance preferred.

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $156,911-$219,674

Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $144,278-$201,989

Other site ranges may differ

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

Benefits

Benefits include:  Medical, denta