Chief Systems Architect - 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!


We are a mission-driven team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. As part of a passionate and accomplished team of engineers, you will directly impact the future of space flight and help us make progress towards our mission of building advanced optical communications for space. Join us in advancing our vision of revolutionizing space-based communications to benefit Earth!

As a Chief Systems Architect, you will provide independent oversight across our Laser Communications & Optical Systems Program to ensure overall technical compliance across the development and operational lifecycle. The selected candidate requires strong engineering and collaboration skills that will be applied across all technical aspects of the program to help generate optimal solutions that support the imposed requirements and architecture. In a fast-paced exciting environment, you will contribute to innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical judgement and competence, and a passion for the highest technical standards partnering with the business unit and engineering leadership to achieve program goals.

In this role, you will act as the independent technical authority for the TeraWave Constellation Program, providing architectural assessments of requirements, design, risks, budget, and schedule with the Program Manager and product owners. Identify gaps between requirements, design, manufacturing, operations and facility solutions with project teams on practical solutions across the life-cycle. Assess and disposition aggregate technical risks across optical communication systems and components. Assess and approve technical completion and compliance at major program and element technical reviews.

Provide engineering leadership and mentoring to coordinate design, analysis, and systems engineering processes throughout development, verification, delivery and operation of laser communication systems. Provide independent review of corrective actions for major failures at the program/product level and work with functional managers in addressing systemic issues. Facilitate technical trades and advise teams on solutions for optical communications architectures. Collaborate with other members to assess and implement engineering process health and compliance with standards for products and programs. Represent the Company and project with key customers and partners. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact advanced space communications systems. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in an engineering-related field, with 15+ years of design, development or analysis experience
• Demonstrated experience in full life-cycle development of aerospace optical systems and photonics
• Experience in the development of laser communications, optical systems, or satellite communications
• Experience designing, deploying and supporting one or more complete optical communication systems or systems of similar complexity
• Highly organized teammate with excellent technical written and verbal communication skills
• Proven track record of operating with cohesive and effective teams and drive decision making within those teams
• Experience with development in mission and safety-critical environments
• Ability to travel and/or temporary duty in support of growing tempos of production and operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer in aerospace or optical communications development programs
• Leadership experience in photonics, laser systems, or fiber optics development environments
• Knowledge of free-space optical principles and space-based communication systems
• Experience with optical measurement, testing, and performance characterization
• Security clearance SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) is desired but not required

Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $244,536.00 - $342,349.35

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.