Senior System Architect – Optical Communications - TeraWave

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!  

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

 

As the Senior System Architect for our next-generation optical communications program, you will define the end-to-end technical vision for a system designed to set new standards in space-based connectivity. You will own the architecture of a high-performance Optical Communications system, translating ambitious mission objectives into a resilient, high-performance system ready for the space environment. 

You will be responsible for architecting large aperture optical communications terminals. Your decisions will balance link margin, pointing precision, optical performance, and manufacturing cost under challenging constraints. The architecture and trades you lead will form the technical foundation of the program, enabling the team to achieve critical design and performance milestones. 

Special Mentions:

• This position may include relocation assistance 

• Travel expectations: Up to 15% travel to supplier facilities, test sites, and other Blue Origin locations 

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Architecture & System Trades 

• Establish the end-to-end mission architecture, including wavelength selection, link geometry, autonomy and redundancy strategies, and initial allocations for size, weight, power, and thermal (SWaP-T) 

• Drive system-level trades for the terminal's aperture, converging on an optimal balance of link margin, pointing accuracy, throughput, structural stiffness, and thermal management 

• Flow down performance budgets to all subsystems (Optics, PAT, Modem, Electronics) with rigorous Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and calibration strategies 

• Integrate Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis into system budgets and define clear acceptance criteria for hardware verification and vendor Statements of Work (SOWs)

• Support operations and manufacturing teams for high-volume production 

 

Pointing, Acquisition & Tracking (PAT) 

• Define the PAT concept of operations and control architecture, including the selection and design of the filters, acquisition scan patterns, and beacon strategies 

• Model, simulate, and allocate budgets for key performance parameters such as capture probability, acquisition timelines, residual jitter, and pointing loss to ensure link closure 

• Develop a validation strategy for PAT algorithms from simulation to advanced mirror materials 

 

Modem & Electronics 

• Define the modem and other electronic systems development plan 

• Ensure deterministic latency, fault tolerance, and resilience to radiation and other space environmental effects across all digital interfaces 

 

Systems Engineering & Risk Management 

• Author and manage core systems engineering documents, including ICDs, requirements flow-down, and comprehensive verification and validation plans 

• Identify technical risks and maintain parallel risk-mitigation paths (e.g., alternative components or materials) to protect project schedule and performance margin 

• Lead architecture reviews, present trade studies to stakeholders, and serve as the primary technical authority for the system design 

 

Rapid Prototyping & Iterative Development 

• Lead rapid prototyping efforts across hardware, electronics, and software systems to validate design concepts early, establishing agile development processes that balance speed with appropriate fidelity while maintaining rigorous documentation 

• Create effective feedback loops between prototype testing results and system design, coordinating cross-functional teams to integrate and test full-scale prototypes that align with system requirements and enable continuous refinement of the architecture 

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience (M.S./Ph.D. preferred) 

• End-to-end system design experience in high-throughput optical communications (free-space or fiber) 

• Mastery of optical link budget analysis, including pointing loss, atmospheric/diffraction effects, jitter coupling, and capture probability modeling 

• Demonstrated experience in designing and analyzing control systems (e.g., filters, scan strategies, beacon processing) 

• Familiar with FPGA/ASIC architectures, including SerDes interfaces, deterministic memory/DMA design, and high-speed data path considerations (FEC, framing, synchronization) 

• Proven systems engineering rigor in authoring ICDs, decomposing requirements, and developing verification plans for complex spaceflight or aerospace systems 

• Experience with radiation-tolerant design principles, including SEU mitigation and selection of radiation-tolerant components 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with optical systems, particularly with straylight and contamination control considerations 

• Familiarity with space hardware development lifecycles and standards (e.g., DO-254, ECSS) 

• Experience in designing built-in-test (BIT), telemetry, and fault management systems 

• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation 

• Knowledge of coherent and incoherent detection methods or advanced modulation formats 

 

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55 WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55

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.

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