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! 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. 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 Responsibilities include but are not limited to: System Architecture & Design Define requirements, o wn 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: CA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45 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. 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. 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