Optical Design Engineer

Principal Optical Communications ArchitectAt 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!The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to make that future a reality by creating reliable, cost-effective, and safe space transportation and infrastructure. Joining our team means being part of a bold mission that demands ingenuity, courage, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what's possible.As a Principal Optical Communications Architect within Blue Origin's National Security Business Unit, you will serve as a senior individual contributor and technical authority within the Advanced Concepts organization, shaping the future of space-based optical communications. You will bring deep expertise in free-space optical (FSO) communications — from end-to-end system architecture down to the terminal subsystem level — and apply that expertise to define, develop, and advocate for next-generation lasercomm capabilities across civil, commercial, and national security domains.This is a high-impact, high-visibility role that sits at the intersection of advanced technology development and strategic mission planning. You will work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives, conduct rigorous analysis of alternatives, and de-risk key technologies through simulation, trade studies, and prototyping. You will influence the direction of Blue Origin's optical communications portfolio and help position the company as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Serve as the principal technical authority for space-based optical communications (lasercomm) architecture within the Blue National Security Business Unit.Lead the architectural design and development of free-space optical (FSO) communications systems, conducting comprehensive analysis of alternatives to determine optimal design choices and system configurations.Perform detailed trade studies, simulations, and prototyping efforts to verify design approaches and de-risk key technology items across the full system lifecycle — from formulation and development through AI&T and on-orbit operations.Define and develop end-to-end optical communications system architectures, including space-to-space (OISL), space-to-ground, and ground-to-space link configurations across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.Develop deep, subsystem-level expertise in optical communications terminal (OCT) design, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, optical telescopes, laser sources, and high-rate modems.Define spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field-of-regard analysis, thermal management, structural integration, power, and EMI/EMC interface requirements.Establish and maintain link budgets, error analyses, and end-to-end performance models to validate system designs and support mission planning.Evaluate civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures to inform Blue Origin's strategic positioning and technology roadmap.Work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives, and support related strategy development, including go-to-market planning for optical communications systems.Identify and mitigate "make or break" technical risks through rigorous analysis and validation of flight-like hardware, and evaluate manufacturability and producibility of novel components such as low-cost telescopes and lasercomm terminals.Collaborate with program managers, systems engineers, and business development teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling proposals and customer solutions.Engage with government customers, program offices, and industry partners to understand mission requirements and shape future optical communications programs.Author and review technical documents, white papers, trade studies, and proposals related to optical communications systems.Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers across the organization, and represent Blue Origin at technical conferences, industry forums, and government engagements.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.12+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in space-based optical communications systems, with demonstrated expertise in lasercomm terminal design and end-to-end system architecture.Deep, subsystem-level knowledge of free-space optical (FSO) communications terminal design, including PAT systems, optical apertures, laser sources, and high-rate modems.Demonstrated experience defining spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field-of-regard, thermal, structural, and interface constraints.Proficiency in optical link budget analysis and end-to-end performance modeling across multiple orbital regimes.Experience across multiple lifecycle phases of space systems development, including formulation, prototyping, manufacturing, AI&T, and on-orbit operations.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct detailed trade studies and risk assessments.Familiarity with civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures and programs.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences.Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.Preferred QualificationsM.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.Active TS/SCI security clearance.Direct experience supporting or leading optical communications programs for DoD, NRO, USSF, or NASA customers.Experience with payload accommodation strategies and influencing satellite bus designs.Familiarity with SDA (Space Development Agency) transport layer optical terminal standards and OISL interoperability requirements.Experience with coherent optical communications systems and advanced modulation formats (e.g., DPSK, BPSK).Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence effects on ground-to-space optical links and associated mitigation techniques (e.g., adaptive optics, aperture averaging).Experience with constellation analysis, optimization, and "systems of systems" architecture development.Proven track record contributing to competitive government proposals or business capture efforts.Experience presenting at SPIE, AIAA, or equivalent technical conferences on optical communications topics.Compensation Range for:CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85 WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon'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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue's Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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.