Principal Optical Communications Architect

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. Were 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!

This role is part of Blue National Security (BNS) where our focus is the design development and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring our all-in-one high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft we provide unmatched mission maneuverability versatility and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.

At Blue Origin we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Were working to make that future a reality by creating reliable cost-effective and safe space transportation and infrastructure. Joining our team means being part of a bold mission that demands ingenuity courage and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of whats possible.

As a Principal Optical Communications Architect within Blue Origins National Security Business Unit you will serve as a senior individual contributor and technical authority within the Advanced Concepts organization shaping the future of space-based optical communications. You will bring deep expertise in free-space optical (FSO) communications from end-to-end system architecture down to the terminal subsystem level and apply that expertise to define develop and advocate for next-generation lasercomm capabilities across civil commercial and national security domains.

This is a high-impact high-visibility role that sits at the intersection of advanced technology development and strategic mission planning. You will work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives conduct rigorous analysis of alternatives and de-risk key technologies through simulation trade studies and prototyping. You will influence the direction of Blue Origins optical communications portfolio and help position the company as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

Special Mentions

• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• This role requires up to 25% travel .
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance . An active clearance is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the principal technical authority for space-based optical communications (lasercomm) architecture within the Blue National Security Business Unit.
• Lead the architectural design and development of free-space optical (FSO) communications systems conducting comprehensive analysis of alternatives to determine optimal design choices and system configurations.
• Perform detailed trade studies simulations and prototyping efforts to verify design approaches and de-risk key technology items across the full system lifecycle from formulation and development through AI&T and on-orbit operations.
• Define and develop end-to-end optical communications system architectures including space-to-space (OISL) space-to-ground and ground-to-space link configurations across LEO MEO GEO and cislunar regimes.
• Develop deep subsystem-level expertise in optical communications terminal (OCT) design including pointing acquisition and tracking (PAT) systems optical telescopes laser sources and high-rate modems.
• Define spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals including field-of-regard analysis thermal management structural integration power and EMI/EMC interface requirements.
• Establish and maintain link budgets error analyses and end-to-end performance models to validate system designs and support mission planning.
• Evaluate civil commercial and national security optical communications architectures to inform Blue Origins strategic positioning and technology roadmap.
• Work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives and support related strategy development including go-to-market planning for optical communications systems.
• Identify and mitigate make or break technical risks through rigorous analysis and validation of flight-like hardware and evaluate manufacturability and producibility of novel components such as low-cost telescopes and lasercomm terminals.
• Collaborate with program managers systems engineers and business development teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling proposals and customer solutions.
• Engage with government customers program offices and industry partners to understand mission requirements and shape future optical communications programs.
• Author and review technical documents white papers trade studies and proposals related to optical communications systems.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers across the organization and represent Blue Origin at technical conferences industry forums and government engagements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Physics Optical Engineering Aerospace Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 12 years of progressive hands-on experience in space-based optical communications systems with demonstrated expertise in lasercomm terminal design and end-to-end system architecture.
• Deep subsystem-level knowledge of free-space optical (FSO) communications terminal design including PAT systems optical apertures laser sources and high-rate modems.
• Demonstrated experience defining spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals including field-of-regard thermal structural and interface constraints.
• Proficiency in optical link budget analysis and end-to-end performance modeling across multiple orbital regimes.
• Experience across multiple lifecycle phases of space systems development including formulation prototyping manufacturing AI&T and on-orbit operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to conduct detailed trade studies and risk assessments.
• Familiarity with civil commercial and national security optical communications architectures and programs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• 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

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering Electrical Engineering Physics Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Direct experience supporting or leading optical communications programs for DoD NRO USSF or NASA customers.
• Experience with payload accommodation strategies and influencing satellite bus designs.
• Familiarity with SDA (Space Development Agency) transport layer optical terminal standards and OISL interoperability requirements.
• Experience with coherent optical communications systems and advanced modulation formats (e.g. DPSK BPSK).
• Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence effects on ground-to-space optical links and associated mitigation techniques (e.g. adaptive optics aperture averaging).
• Experience with constellation analysis optimization and systems of systems architecture development.
• Proven track record contributing to competitive government proposals or business capture efforts.
• Experience presenting at SPIE AIAA or equivalent technical conferences on optical communications topics.

Base Pay Range for:

VA applicants is $169624.00 - $237473.25 CO applicants is $160618.00 - $224864.85

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Dont 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 youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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 a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blues 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 10001 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 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 companys intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the companys results or other factors at the companys 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 Origins Affirmative Action Plans or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process please contact us at . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

Required Experience:

Staff IC