Sr Principal Software Engineer - Network Architecture & SDN - 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!

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As a Senior Principal Engineer for Network Architecture & SDN at TeraWave, you will define the strategic vision and architectural foundation for the "brain" of our constellation, pioneering a revolutionary dynamic, self-healing network that operates at orbital speeds across our multi-orbit constellation of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites. You will solve unprecedented challenges in managing a topology that changes every second, orchestrating inter-satellite links (ISLs) that move at 27,000 km/h, and ensuring seamless handoffs for users on the ground-all while defining and enforcing strict power and latency budgets.

In this role, you will serve as the foremost technical authority in networking architecture and software-defined networking, establishing foundational principles that will redefine space-based communications. You will shape organizational strategy, mentor technical leaders, and establish TeraWave as an industry leader in advanced networking technologies. This distinguished position offers a once-in-a-career opportunity to create an entirely new paradigm for networking in the space domain, working at the pioneering edge of communications technology and orbital mechanics.

Responsibilities:

• Define the strategic vision and architectural principles for TeraWave's hybrid space-ground transport network
• Establish groundbreaking technical approaches for multi-hop routing, topology management, and fast-reroute strategies tailored for time-varying LEO constellations
• Pioneer capacity modeling methodologies that translate raw RF link characteristics into industry-leading network-layer models
• Define the architectural framework for a next-generation Software-Defined Networking (SDN) ecosystem managing centralized and distributed control planes
• Establish the strategic direction for real-time Traffic Engineering (TE) and policy enforcement systems that optimize data flow across constrained satellite payloads and terrestrial backbones
• Create the blueprint for programmable transport solutions enabling rapid deployment of new protocols and features
• Establish the vision for a world-class observability stack using in-band and out-of-band telemetry for unparalleled packet-level visibility
• Pioneer "Self-Healing" network principles where real-time telemetry feeds directly into SDN controllers for autonomous congestion management and fault isolation
• Define methodologies for correlating flow-level tracing with link performance to ensure optimal efficiency across the constellation
• Establish architectural principles for packet forwarding that survive the rigors of space, optimizing for latency and throughput under power-constrained environments
• Direct cross-layer optimization strategy, aligning RF and Silicon teams to ensure seamless mobility across beams and satellites
• Serve as the chief technical authority for networking across TeraWave, mentoring technical leaders and defining long-term hardware and software roadmaps

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 20+ years of experience in network architecture, large-scale distributed systems, or telecommunications
• Recognized expertise in advanced routing protocols, BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, and Segment Routing (SRv6/SR-MPLS) in complex, high-scale environments
• Distinguished track record of architecting SDN controllers and programmable data planes (P4, OpenFlow, or proprietary frameworks)
• Authoritative knowledge of packet processing, ASIC/FPGA forwarding logic, and high-speed switching
• Proven experience establishing architectural direction for satellite, wireless, or cloud-scale service provider networks
• History of technical leadership influencing organizational strategy and direction
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to solve unprecedented technical challenges
• Exceptional technical written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts to a variety of audiences
• Experience with development in mission and safety-critical environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS/PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Extensive experience with LEO/MEO satellite constellations or terrestrial/satellite hybrid networks
• Track record of establishing industry-leading telemetry pipelines and analytics for real-time network health
• Advanced expertise in graph theory or dynamic topology optimization
• Significant contributions to networking standards (IETF, IEEE) or leadership in open-source networking projects
• Patents or published research in relevant networking domains
• Experience defining strategic direction for multi-orbit satellite constellation design and optimization
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements and implications for satellite communications systems
• Proven ability to establish model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodologies across organization

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $264,103.00 - $369,743.85 WA applicants is $264,103.00 - $369,743.85

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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.