Senior Software Engineer - TeraWave RF and Optical Systems

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. This role is part of the Emerging Systems business unit, focused on developing cutting-edge space technologies including TeraWave.

This role will be onsite in the Greater Seattle Area, WA or Bay Area, CA. It is approved for temporary remote work exception while our local site is developed. Relocation assistance is available. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

About the role

As a Software Engineer, you will play a vital leadership role within a team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, significantly contributing to the control and data plane architecture of the constellation. You will utilize your expertise in software development for constrained environments, real-time operating systems, high-speed handling of data, and encryption to develop and maintain complex software solutions. You will guide software development and optimization efforts, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal quality and performance of our systems. Your ability to innovate, provide architectural direction, and deliver efficient solutions is crucial to managing the entire development process.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop multi-threaded embedded software in C/C++ to run on Linux/RTOS/Bare-metal platforms, hosted on multi-core SoCs.
• Implement custom device drivers and management/control/data plane functions for Satellite RF transceivers, Antenna systems, and Optical systems on TeraWave’s Satellite Payload, Customer terminals, and Ground Gateway Terminals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate software with hardware systems.
• Contribute to technical documentation, code reviews, and design discussions.
• Troubleshoot problems and debug issues using telemetry, logs/traces, code instrumentation, and software and hardware debugging tools.
• Champion embedded software development, testing, and troubleshooting best practices – including CI/CD, test and data analysis automation, TDD.
• Deliver with speed and quality, and mentor junior software engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development in C/C++ to run on Linux/RTOS/Bare-metal platforms.
• Strong proficiency in C++ object-oriented design and implementation.
• Hands-on expertise in embedded systems debugging using SW and HW tools (JTAG, SWD, CoreSight, Lauterbach/Trace32, J-Link, J-Trace etc.).
• Experience with developing applications that use standard peripherals – SPI, I3C, I2C, PCIe, CAN etc.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and Test-Driven Development.
• Experience leading software development teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Experience with Agile or Scaled Agile development methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development for mission-critical systems.
• Experience with Linux networking and inter-core/processor communications between applications that use high-speed data-plane interfaces – Ethernet, Interlaken, JESD etc.
• Experience in developing embedded software in one or more of these areas: satellite communications systems, space-based networks, cellular wireless, terrestrial telecommunications systems.
• Experience with developing drivers for proprietary and merchant silicon.
• Experience with formal verification methods for safety-critical software.
• Knowledge of radiation-hardened computing environments and related software considerations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• 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 additional benefits and bonuses.

Pay

Base Pay Range for CA and WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80. Other site ranges may differ.

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 checks are required for all positions. Additional checks may include Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for roles requiring access to military installations, DOT physicals and drug/alcohol testing for drivers of commercial motor vehicles, and Merchant Mariner Credential for certain job profiles.