Principal Software Engineer - TeraWave RF and Optical Systems

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.

This role is part of the Emerging Systems business unit, which is focused on developing cutting-edge space technologies including TeraWave, Blue Origin's revolutionary space-based networking system. TeraWave is designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps, providing connectivity to locations unreachable by traditional methods and adding a space-based layer to existing network infrastructure.

As a Principal 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. Your role will involve utilizing 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. 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 one of these locations – Greater Seattle Area, WA; Bay Area, CA; San Diego, CA. It is approved for 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

• Own software architecture and design one or more system areas and represent them in cross-team discussions with chief architects and peer technical leaders, conduct trade studies and develop prototypes to identify architectural options, and propose the best path forward.
• Collaborate with hardware, silicon and systems engineering teams and lead integration campaigns to bring system up the features, troubleshoot problems, and provide solutions.
• Lead critical systems design and implementation of multi-threaded embedded software in C/C++ to run on Linux/RTOS/Bare-metal platforms, hosted on multi-core SoCs on the TeraWave satellite payload and ground terminals.
• Define and develop strategies for scaling, fault‑tolerance and recovery.
• Define performance KPIs (processing latencies, throughput, algorithmic efficiency) and develop methods for measurements and optimization of resources (compute, memory, storage, network and I/O).
• Contribute to technical documentation, code reviews, and system architecture decisions.
• Champion embedded software development, testing and troubleshooting best practices – including CI/CD, test and data analysis automation, TDD.
• Lead the team from front in delivering with speed and quality, and mentor a team of highly skilled software engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of deep 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 Linux networking and inter-core/processor communications between applications that use high-speed data‑plane interfaces (Ethernet, Interlaken, JESD), DMA/RDMA, RoCE etc.
• Experience leading software development teams and mentoring senior engineers.
• 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 Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in embedded software development for mission‑critical systems
• Experience in developing embedded software in or more of these areas - satellite communications systems, space‑based networks, cellular wireless, terrestrial telecommunications systems.
• Experience with one or more of these areas - Software defined radios, RF transceivers and antenna systems control (preferably phased arrays, parabolic antennas), Optical transceivers (ACOs, DCOs)
• Experience with developing drivers for proprietary and merchant silicon (DSPs, mixed signal processors, modems, etc.).
• Experience with formal verification methods for safety‑critical software
• Knowledge of radiation‑hardened computing environments and related software considerations

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to building the road to get there. As a Senior Embedded Software Developer on our In‑Space Systems team, you'll be at the forefront of developing next‑generation space networking capabilities that will enable unprecedented connectivity and mobility in space. You'll work with world‑class engineers and scientists who are passionate about solving complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Join us in our mission to build a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth.

Base Pay Range For

CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85

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, 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.