Constellation Trajectory Execution Lead

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.

At Blue Origin, you'll apply your technical expertise and leadership to shape the future of space exploration. As the Constellation Trajectory Execution Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in the TeraWave program, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and operate a cutting-edge satellite constellation that will advance our vision of millions living and working in space.

As the Constellation Trajectory Execution Lead for the TeraWave constellation, you will be the single-threaded technical and team leader responsible for designing and managing a combined LEO & MEO satellite constellation that will revolutionize space-based communications.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates
• Travel may be required to support constellation design, development, and operations activities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Build and lead a high-performing team responsible for constellation trajectory design and fleet-level flight dynamics throughout the entire mission lifecycle
• Ensure trajectory design, orbit determination, and maneuvering capabilities meet TeraWave mission requirements
• Create comprehensive ConOps (Concept of Operations) from launch through service and end of life, ensuring seamless operations throughout the constellation lifecycle
• Collaborate with architecture, mission operations, network operations, and space vehicle teams
• Definition of technical requirements, interfaces, and documentation for constellation management systems
• Lead fleet management activities during launch campaign and service operations, coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure mission objectives are met
• Oversee technical aspects of the team, including:
  • the design and optimization of a combined LEO & MEO constellation architecture to meet TeraWave mission requirements and business objectives
  • implementation & testing of automated operational tools for trajectory execution & fleet management
  • conjunction assessment of fleet including coordination with government & other commercial entities
  • contributions to a mission model and simulation linking constellation design to business models to ensure optimal performance and return on investment
  • contributions to constellation reliability and availability analysis to ensure mission success and service quality

• Represent the constellation management team in technical reviews, program milestones, and customer meetings
• Drive innovation in constellation design and management methodologies to enhance performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Perform dedicated mission analysis as an individual contributor when needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Aerospace, Software, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area
• 10+ years of Technical Experience developing space mission design and navigation systems, including satellite navigation, statistical orbit determination, orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, and trajectory optimization
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience leading and building teams for development and operations
• Outstanding customer relationship skills including the ability to discover the requirements underlying feature requests, recommend alternative technical and business approaches, and lead engineering efforts to meet ambitious timelines with optimal solutions
• Strong background in constellation design and operations automation
• Familiarity with electric propulsion trajectory design
• Familiarity with ground-based satellite navigation and statistical orbit determination processes, including radiometric and GPS
• Familiarity with maneuver design, conjunction response / collision avoidance, and orbit maintenance
• Strong background developing space navigation CONOPs, requirements, and interface description documents to flow to element level teams
• Demonstrated experience throughout mission design lifecycle from conceptualization through operational flight
• Experience developing high-level plans for end-to-end integrated system tests occurring throughout a program's lifecycle

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Software, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area
• 15+ years of proven experience focused on mission design and navigation
• Multiple spacecraft missions of operational ground navigation support and/or leadership
• Applied expertise in ground-based satellite navigation and statistical orbit determination processes, including radiometric and GPS
• Applied expertise in maneuver design, conjunction response / collision avoidance, and orbit maintenance
• In-depth experience with electric propulsion satellite missions and/or GPS commercial satellite missions
• Experience using the STK and Monte software packages

Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20

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 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.