Senior Photonics Systems Engineer - TeraWave

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.

As a Senior Photonics System Engineer, you will own the end-to-end modem photonics architecture for a state-of-the-art space laser communication terminal. You will define and integrate the full optical chain-including seed and LO lasers, modulators, optical amplifiers, filters, polarization control, and receivers-to deliver high-reliability, high-throughput optical links for a growing range of customer missions. Your technical leadership will set the standard for capability, manufacturability, and on-orbit performance.


Special Mentions:

• Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
• Travel expectations: Occasional travel may be required for technical reviews and supplier visits.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:


System Architecture & Design

• Define requirements, own optical link budgets and conduct architecture trade studies for space laser communication modem photonics.
• Architect and select narrow-linewidth lasers, electro-optic modulators and bias control, optical amplifiers, optical filters/WDM, polarization management, isolators, and coherent/Direct-Detect receiver front-ends.
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and radiation margins; define interfaces to DSP/modem electronics, drivers/TIAs, power, and thermal/mechanical teams.
• Lead make/buy decisions and guide supplier selection, qualification, and performance management for critical photonic components.
• Establish redundancy and reliability strategies appropriate for spaceflight.

Development, Integration & Test

• Lead breadboard and brassboard development to de-risk architecture choices and mature to flight design.
• Define and execute verification and validation plans, including optical performance (OSNR, linewidth, RIN, extinction ratio, EVM/BER), stability, and latency.
• Analyze test data to characterize impairments (e.g., phase noise, SBS/thermal effects) and drive corrective actions.
• Validate system performance through environmental test (TVAC, vibration, shock, and radiation considerations) and ensure compliance to requirements.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of requirements, designs, ICDs, procedures, and results; contribute to FMEAs and design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (DSP/software, RF/electronics, optics, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to achieve design-for-manufacture and design-for-test.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems such as lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware, with at least 3 years in lead/architect roles.
• Demonstrated experience with photonics systems involving fiber-based electro-optic modulators and optical receivers.
• In-depth knowledge of lasers and photonics (e.g., narrow-linewidth lasers, photodiodes, nonlinear optics, fiber components/assembly, and laser system fabrication).
• Experience developing functional specifications, verification plans, and functional test procedures for optical communication systems.
• Proficiency in system characterization, environmental testing, and data analysis for photonic subsystems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to broad audiences and collaborate across disciplines to drive decisions.
• Hands-on experience with test frameworks and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with LabVIEW). Experience with optical system simulation tools (e.g., VPIphotonics, OptiSystem, or similar) is a plus.
• MS degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in lasers/optics/electronics/aerospace hardware with 5+ years in lead architect roles
• Expertise in high data rate optical communications, including advanced modulation, DSP interfaces, and coherent reception techniques.
• Direct experience deploying systems in spaceflight environments and qualifying photonic hardware for launch and on-orbit operation.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA), fiber handling/assembly, contamination control, and process improvement in production environments.
• PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field.

Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

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.