Principal Optical Terminal Comms Software Architect

Employer description

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!  

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.

Blue Origin’s Blue National Security (BNS) team is building the next generation of space-based communications infrastructure, and we’re looking for a Principal Optical Terminal Communications Software Architect to help lead that effort. In this role, you’ll shape the software architecture powering advanced Software Defined Radio (SDR) terminals and optical communication systems that will connect the world from space. Your work will directly influence the design, scalability, and mission readiness of systems operating in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. This is a unique opportunity to contribute meaningful technical leadership at the intersection of embedded software, communications systems, and space mission engineering.

What You’ll Do

Architect, develop, implement, verify, and integrate software for next-generation SDR terminals, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and mission readinessDesign and develop SDR capabilities for spacecraft platforms, including waveform processing, modulation/demodulation, and communication protocol developmentDefine platform-independent, reusable software frameworks, services, and design patterns that support multiple waveforms, data rates, modulation and coding configurations, and future system growthPartner with systems, hardware, and firmware engineers to analyze requirements and translate them into clear, detailed architectural specificationsEstablish software architecture standards, coding guidelines, design patterns, and review practices that promote maintainability and long-term system healthLead software design reviews, code reviews, and technical trade studies spanning performance, fault tolerance, redundancy, scalability, and portabilitySupport software integration, verification, and validation across software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and other mission-representative test environmentsBuild and improve software engineering infrastructure, including build systems, CI/CD pipelines, automated test frameworks, and debugging and diagnostic toolingAuthor and maintain technical documentation including software architecture descriptions, interface control documents, verification plans, and test proceduresDesign and implement secure over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities for spacecraft, including authenticated delivery, validation, rollback, version control, and safe on-orbit deployment 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field10+ years of experience developing embedded and application software for SDR systemsStrong proficiency in C/C++ and Python; familiarity with additional languages is a plusDemonstrated technical depth across software design, implementation, and cross-functional integrationExperience with software lifecycle management, configuration management, CI/CD pipelines, and verification/validation practices for mission-critical systemsWorking knowledge of communication protocols including TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, I2C, SPI, and RS-422/485Experience applying secure software development principles and cybersecurity best practices in embedded or mission-critical environmentsHands-on experience with embedded software testing methodologiesActive TS/SCI clearance 

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical fieldExperience developing software for satellite constellations, distributed space systems, or networked embedded platformsKnowledge of satellite communications systems, spacecraft networking, and high-throughput data handlingBackground in fault-tolerant computing, redundancy management, and resilient software architecture designFamiliarity with communication satellite systems, optical inter-satellite links (OISL), or related networking technologiesExperience designing secure OTA software update mechanisms for embedded or mission-critical systemsExperience with software build systems, static analysis tools, code quality tooling, or automated verification frameworks for embedded systems
 Base Pay Range for:

VA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85

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 CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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, 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.Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.