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.The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.
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. As a Lead Optical Systems Engineer, you will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through operational activities. This role encompasses the comprehensive development of the product line, from initial prototyping to production, ensuring technical rigor and operational success. Your leadership will set the standard for new capabilities and a growing range of customer missions.
Special Mentions:
Relocation assistance may be available for this position
Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for field testing, technical reviews, and customer meetings
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
System Architecture & Technical Leadership
Lead the architectural design and technical direction for ground optical communications systems incorporating telescope and gimbal assemblies, high-power and low-noise optical fiber amplifiers, pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems, adaptive optics systems, and automation software
Responsible for the end-to-end characterization, modeling, and mitigation of atmospheric turbulence for high-bandwidth laser communication systems, from system architecture and algorithm development to integration and field testing
Develop system requirements, specifications, and interface control documents that balance performance, cost, and schedule
Lead optical system modeling, analysis, and performance simulation
Conduct trade studies between different optical architectures and configurations
Integration & Performance Optimization
Provide technical oversight for subsystem development and integration
Troubleshoot complex optical performance issues across subsystems
Develop ConOps, calibration/alignment procedures and commissioning plans
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and thermal engineers on interdisciplinary design challenges
Define software requirements for control and performance monitoring of optical subsystems
Collaborate with software engineering team to develop automation strategies for optical system alignment, calibration, and operational procedures
Drive safety and regulatory compliance (laser safety, outdoor operations), and coordinate airspace/operations approvals with relevant authorities
Minimum Qualifications:
MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
8+ years of experience in optical systems engineering with progressive leadership responsibility
Demonstrated expertise in free-space optical communication (preferred) or LiDAR systems
Proficiency with optical system design tools (Zemax, Code V, etc.)
Experience with large-aperture telescope systems and pointing requirements
Advanced knowledge of mode-matching techniques and optimization of free-space to/from single-mode fiber coupling efficiency
Experience with adaptive optics systems, wavefront sensing, and wavefront correction techniques
Experience with focal plane arrays and camera systems
Familiarity with fiber optic coupling challenges and solutions
Previous experience collaborating with cross-functional teams
Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
15+ years of experience in optical systems engineering with progressive leadership responsibility
Previous work with space-to-ground and ground-to-space optical communications satellite links
Proven track record as a lead engineer on similar programs
Experience with atmospheric optical turbulence theory and compensation
Proven expertise in atmospheric optics and hands-on experience implementing adaptive optics (AO) control systems to correct for turbulence
Experience taking a complete laser communication system from lab to field, including link performance analysis and hardware validation
Background in optical amplifier technologies (EDFA, EYDFA, Raman, etc.)
Strong background in coherent optical communications principles
Experience with optical metrology and testing of complex systems
Familiarity with Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) standards and algorithms for satellite optical communications
Program management experience for large optical system development
Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20Other 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 [email protected]. 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.
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