Sr Principal Architect, Space Safety and Sustainability

Application Close Date Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. Position Overview Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space‑based communications with TeraWave, a satellite communications network that will deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps worldwide. The Senior Principal Architect for Space Safety & Sustainability will lead the development and implementation of TeraWave’s Space Sustainability Strategy, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and embedding space‑safety requirements into every stage of system design. Special Considerations Relocation provided Travel expected up to 10% of the time Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To Own the TeraWave Space Sustainability Strategy and related regulatory documents, ensuring they remain compliant with NASA‑STD‑8719.14C and the ODMSP. Lead TeraWave’s technical engagement with the FCC and other regulatory bodies on orbital debris and space‑traffic coordination, providing compliance assessments and shaping technical positions. Lead technical interchanges with other satellite operators and advocacy organizations, establishing cooperative frameworks and representing TeraWave’s positions in industry forums. Architect the space‑traffic coordination strategy and systems—including orbit selection philosophy, inter‑operator coordination methodology, and ephemeris data management—ensuring a reliable conjunction assessment capability across the fleet. Define the end‑to‑end collision‑risk mitigation architecture, from automated conjunction data ingestion to spacecraft hardware and operational designs, maintaining stringent minimum collision‑probability thresholds. Establish engineering standards, analysis methods, and tools for debris minimization across the satellite lifecycle, including passivization strategies and mitigation of MMOD‑driven failures. Define TeraWave’s post‑mission disposal approach, evaluating disposal reliability, natural decay timelines, and readiness for emerging regulatory requirements. Assess and recommend mitigation of the constellation’s impact on astronomical observations, identifying design and operational strategies. Collaborate with spacecraft, GNC, propulsion, power, and operations teams to embed space‑safety requirements early in system design. Contribute to the TeraWave design reference mission, identify technology gaps, and drive critical analyses needed to advance compliance. Serve as the senior technical authority on space safety and sustainability, providing guidance across engineering teams and representing TeraWave’s technical positions externally. Qualifications Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, systems engineering, or an equivalent technical field. 12+ years of experience in spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, or space operations, with direct experience in at least two of the following: space traffic management, collision‑avoidance system design, orbital debris analysis, or satellite regulatory compliance. Deep working knowledge of orbital mechanics—including orbit propagation, conjunction assessment, maneuver planning, and debris‑environment modeling—and proficiency in tools such as STK, Python, or MATLAB. Familiarity with NASA‑STD‑8719.14C and the ODMSP, and experience engaging regulatory processes and contributing technical documentation. Ability to translate space‑safety requirements into engineering design standards and system‑architecture specifications. Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills, with experience representing technical positions to external stakeholders. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. Desired 15+ years spanning orbital mechanics, space traffic management, and large‑scale constellation development, with experience on LEO constellation programs and regulatory advocacy. Knowledge of conjunction data message (CDM) formats, space‑surveillance network products, and SSA data sources, and experience in designing automated conjunction screening and collision‑avoidance systems. Familiarity with emerging space‑traffic coordination frameworks, inter‑operator agreements, and regulatory engagements. Understanding of spacecraft‑design considerations for debris mitigation, including de‑isability, MMOD shielding, passivization, and re‑entry risk analysis. Background in fleet management or mission‑operations architecture for large‑scale constellations. Leadership or management experience driving technical consensus across cross‑functional organizations. Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or a closely related field with a thesis on orbital mechanics, space debris, or traffic management. Compensation Range For CA applicants: $194,121.00 – $271,768.35 WA applicants: $194,121.00 – $271,768.35 Benefits Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with company match 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 weeks per year based on weekly hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays. Bonuses and additional benefits based on company discretion, subject to change. Export Control Regulations Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted U.S. refugee or asylum holder. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check. Required for certain job profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if the role requires access to a military installation. Required for certain job profiles: Drivers operating commercial motor vehicles under 10,001 lbs. or transporting hazardous materials are subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Required for certain job profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain a Merchant Mariner Credential, including pre‑employment drug testing and DOT physical. 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. We hire and promote people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities, providing all qualified applicants and employees equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of protected characteristics. Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation or wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans should contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. Culture Statement Blue Origin is dedicated to building an authentic workplace, encouraging candidates who do not meet every desired qualification to apply if their experience aligns with the role’s responsibilities and expectations. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Origin