Title: Payload Software Engineer - TeraWave

Location: Bay Area, CA | Greater Seattle Area

Position Type: Full time

Requisition ID: R59907

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 TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

We are seeking a Payload Software Engineer to develop network automation software for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network. This role will be instrumental in creating the software systems that enable our constellation to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally. The ideal candidate brings expertise in embedded systems, network protocols, and distributed systems, thriving in a fast-paced environment where innovation meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and develop flight software for satellite payload systems, focusing on network automation and communication protocols
• Create robust software solutions for Q/V-band RF and optical communication payloads across LEO and MEO satellites
• Implement algorithms for autonomous network routing, load balancing, and fault recovery across the constellation
• Develop software interfaces between payload subsystems and the satellite bus
• Design and implement software for real-time data processing and transmission at speeds up to 6 Tbps
• Create simulation environments to validate payload software functionality prior to deployment
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to optimize software-hardware integration
• Develop and maintain software documentation, including requirements, design specifications, and test procedures
• Implement software security measures to protect communication integrity across the network
• Participate in code reviews, software integration testing, and anomaly resolution
• Support on-orbit software updates and maintenance operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or other languages relevant to embedded and network systems
• Experience with real-time operating systems and embedded software development
• Understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle and configuration management
• Experience with software testing methodologies and tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with satellite communications systems or payload software
• Knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV)
• Familiarity with optical communications and related protocols
• Experience with high-throughput data processing systems
• Background in developing fault-tolerant, radiation-hardened software
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles for space systems
• Experience with FPGA programming or hardware acceleration techniques
• Knowledge of machine learning applications for network optimization

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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 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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

• 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.