Senior Payload Software Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date:

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!  

We are seeking a Senior Payload Software Engineer to develop network automation software for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network. This role will be instrumental in leading the creation of software systems that enable our constellation to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally. The ideal candidate brings deep 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:

• Lead the design and development of flight software for satellite payload systems, focusing on network automation and communication protocols
• Architect robust software solutions for Q/V-band RF and optical communication payloads across LEO and MEO satellites
• Design and implement advanced algorithms for autonomous network routing, load balancing, and fault recovery across the constellation
• Oversee development of software interfaces between payload subsystems and the satellite bus
• Lead software development for real-time data processing and transmission at speeds up to 6 Tbps
• Direct the creation of sophisticated simulation environments to validate payload software functionality prior to deployment
• Drive collaboration with hardware engineers to optimize software-hardware integration
• Establish software development standards, architecture patterns, and best practices
• Implement comprehensive software security measures to protect communication integrity across the network
• Lead code reviews, software integration testing, and complex anomaly resolution
• Mentor junior software engineers and provide technical leadership across teams
• Direct on-orbit software updates and maintenance operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in embedded software development
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++, Python, or other languages relevant to embedded and network systems
• Extensive experience with real-time operating systems and embedded software development
• Comprehensive understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems
• Proven expertise in software architecture, development lifecycle, and configuration management
• Demonstrated leadership in software testing methodologies and tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Experience leading software development teams for space or telecommunications systems systems
• Extensive experience with satellite communications systems or payload software
• Advanced knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV)
• Deep expertise in optical communications protocols and systems
• Proven experience with high-throughput data processing systems
• Background in developing fault-tolerant, radiation-hardened software for mission-critical applications
• Advanced understanding of cybersecurity principles for space systems
• Experience with FPGA programming or hardware acceleration techniques for high-performance computing
• Knowledge of machine learning applications for complex network optimization

Compensation Range for:

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.

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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

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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.

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