Senior Embedded Software Engineer - TeraWave

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

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.

As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a vital leadership role within a team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, significantly contributing to the data plane architecture of the constellation. Your role will involve utilizing your expertise in application 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. Successful senior engineers not only meet complex requirements but also propose and implement innovative, cutting-edge solutions.

Special Mentions

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

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead software architecture and development for Blue Origin's TeraWave satellite communications network
• Design and implement embedded software solutions for high-speed routing and switching applications in space environments
• Build and mentor a team of highly skilled software engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation
• Develop robust, efficient code in C++ or Rust for resource-constrained embedded systems

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in embedded software development
• Strong proficiency in C++ or Rust programming languages
• Thorough understanding of software architecture including object-oriented design, optimization, embedded engineering, and event-driven architecture
• Knowledge of cyber security principles for zero-trust architecture relating to software architecture, operating systems, and system design
• Experience with modern encryption standards for authentication and data protection
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and Test-Driven Development
• Experience leading software development teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Familiarity with RTOS and bare-metal programming
• Experience with Agile or Scaled Agile development methodologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in embedded software development for mission-critical systems
• Experience with satellite communications systems, space-based networks, or telecommunications
• Experience with IP, networking, and communications protocols including BGP, MPLS, SRv6, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, IPv6, voice, and video
• Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV)
• Understanding of networking over constrained links and optimization techniques
• Experience with formal verification methods for safety-critical software
• Knowledge of radiation-hardened computing environments and related software considerations
• Experience interfacing with FPGAs, secure boot, and high-speed serial buses
• Knowledge of ITU, CCSDS, or other space communications standards
• Publications or patents related to networking, embedded systems, or space communications
• Architect networking solutions optimized for constrained communication links in space applications
• Implement networking protocols including BGP, MPLS, and SRv6 for space-based communications
• Design and implement zero-trust architecture security principles into software systems
• Establish software development best practices, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and TDD
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate software with hardware systems
• Contribute to technical documentation, code reviews, and system architecture decisions
• Participate in Agile/SAFe development processes and continuous improvement initiatives

Compensation Range for:

CA 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