Senior Embedded Software 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!  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. 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. As a Senior Embedded Software Architect at Blue Origin, you will lead the design and development of sophisticated embedded software systems for flight and payload applications. Your expertise will be crucial in creating robust, high-performance software architectures that enable reliable operation in the challenging space environment. You will provide technical leadership across multiple projects, establishing standards and best practices while mentoring software engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions for our space systems. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance may be available for this position Travel expectations: Up to 10% travel may be required for technical reviews, supplier coordination, and collaboration with distributed teams Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Architecture & Design Leadership Lead the architectural design and development of embedded software systems for flight and payload applications, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and safety Define and implement software architecture for high throughput packet switching systems, incorporating IP TCP/UDP protocols and advanced routing capabilities Collaborate with hardware engineers to develop and optimize FPGA-based solutions for critical flight systems Design and implement robust fault management systems to ensure mission success in the challenging space environment Technical Standards & Mentorship Establish technical standards, best practices, and coding guidelines for embedded software development across projects Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineering teams, fostering innovation and excellence Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools to meet project requirements and enhance system capabilities Lead design reviews and technical assessments to ensure software solutions meet performance, reliability, and security requirements Systems Integration & Documentation Develop and maintain software architecture documentation, including interface specifications and design patterns Collaborate with systems engineers to translate mission requirements into software architecture specifications Participate in failure analysis and implement corrective actions to enhance system robustness Contribute to research and development efforts to advance Blue Origin's embedded software capabilities Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field 10+ years of experience in embedded software development, with at least 5 years in architectural roles Demonstrated experience with flight software or payload systems in aerospace applications Strong knowledge of network protocols including IP, TCP/UDP, and routing technologies Experience with FPGA integration and hardware/software co-design Proficiency in embedded programming languages such as C, C++, and assembly language Experience designing and implementing fault-tolerant systems with comprehensive error detection and recovery mechanisms Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded Linux environments Experience with software development for resource-constrained environments Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field Experience with spacecraft avionics systems and flight software development Knowledge of DO-178B/C software development processes for safety-critical systems Experience with high-reliability embedded systems in aerospace, defense, or similar industries Familiarity with communication protocols used in space systems (e.g., SpaceWire, CAN, MIL-STD-1553) Experience with model-based design tools such as MATLAB/Simulink Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) technologies Background in developing systems for space-based applications Experience leading technical teams and mentoring junior engineers Demonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with pragmatic solutions to meet program schedules 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 a Senior Embedded Software Architect, you'll play a crucial role in designing the software systems that control and manage our spacecraft and payloads, 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. Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55 WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55 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. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space. California Applicant Privacy Notice