Optical Integration & Metrology Lead - TeraWave

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! TeraWave This role is part of TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. The Emerging Systems business unit at 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 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise‑grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. Role Overview The Optical Integration & Metrology Lead will serve as the technical authority for the alignment, metrology, and as‑built modeling of an optical payload. This role is responsible for developing production‑grade alignment workflows that are robust, repeatable, and capable of meeting manufacturing requirements. You will own the metrology processes that guarantee our systems meet stringent Line of Sight (LOS) and Wavefront Error (WFE) performance requirements. Special Mentions Travel expectations: Travel may be required for supplier visits, technical reviews, and production site coordination. Responsibilities Production Alignment & Process Development Author and execute alignment procedures for the telescope, relay optics, and fiber I/O, with a focus on Design for Assembly (DFA) to minimize process steps. Define align‑to tolerances and verification steps with clear pass/fail criteria for production operators. Lead hands‑on optical alignment in a cleanroom using interferometry, autocollimators, and other precision metrology equipment. Metrology, MSA, and DFM Establish metrology datums and fiducials and develop measurement uncertainty budgets. Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gage R&R (GR&R) campaigns to qualify production metrology instruments, ensuring measurement reliability. Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) for critical alignment parameters to monitor process capability and drive continuous improvement. As‑Built Modeling and Test Build and maintain optical as‑built models, correlating metrology data to optical performance to refine production tolerances. Support pre/post‑environment optical re‑verification after vibration/shock/thermal‑vacuum (TVAC) testing. Drive root‑cause analysis for alignment yield issues and partner with engineering to implement robust solutions. Minimum Qualifications BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics. 5+ years in optical alignment and metrology for precision or space optics. Hands‑on proficiency with interferometry, autocollimators, and other optical metrology tools. Strong understanding of GR&R, MSA, SPC, and measurement uncertainty analysis. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency with Zemax OpticStudio or Code V for tolerance and as‑built analysis. Experience with automated alignment systems, fiber coupling, and polarization metrology. Prior experience scaling an optical alignment process from prototype to production. 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 developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As an Optical Integration & Metrology Lead, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring our optical systems meet the exacting standards required for space operations, directly contributing to our mission of building a road to space for the benefit of Earth. We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. Compensation Range CA applicants: $121,023.00 – $169,432.20. WA applicants: $121,023.00 – $169,432.20. 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. 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 workforce. 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. 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