Principal Software Engineer – TeraWave Vehicle Platforms (Infrastructure)

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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We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Vehicle Platforms team for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network.

This role will be instrumental in designing and building the foundational platform infrastructure—the "nervous system"—that runs across our entire fleet of Satellites, User Terminals, and Gateways, ensuring reliable, secure, and performant operations in the most demanding environments imaginable.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Linux-based embedded systems, full-lifecycle software ownership, and the drive to operate with high autonomy in a fast-paced environment where foundational engineering meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and implement core Linux-based platform infrastructure, including process management, custom init systems, and robust IPC frameworks
• Lead the architecture for global image management and Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems, ensuring a multi-thousand-vehicle fleet can be updated safely, frequently, and with zero downtime
• Build high-throughput, low-overhead logging and telemetry pipelines capable of reporting health and performance metrics from edge devices to ground-based data centers
• Partner closely with Silicon, Electrical, and RF Engineering teams to bring up new hardware prototypes and optimize the Linux kernel and drivers for custom SoC designs
• Debug and optimize system-level performance bottlenecks, including minimizing context switches and tuning the networking stack for high-frequency satellite links
• Implement secure boot flows, runtime security monitoring, and hardware-backed credential management for all vehicle components
• Own the full software lifecycle from initial design through deployment on satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field; or 10+ years of professional software development experience
• 8+ years of experience with C or C++ in a Linux or embedded environment
• Deep proficiency with the Linux kernel, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF
• Experience with build systems such as Buildroot, Yocto, or Bazel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience building infrastructure for large-scale distributed systems or device fleets
• Proficiency in Rust or Python for systems-level tooling and automation
• Strong understanding of the Linux networking stack (TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet) and custom routing protocols
• Experience developing software for mission-critical systems in aerospace, automotive, or medical industries where failure is not an option
• First-principles engineering mindset with comfort analyzing assembly code or hardware-level diagnostics when solving complex problems

 

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85

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 W