Senior Optical Systems Design Engineer - Optical Network Ground Terminals - TeraWave

Lead Optical Systems Architect 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 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise‑grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. Responsibilities Lead architecture and technical direction for ground optical communication systems. Define system requirements, performance budgets, and optical link architectures. Architect and integrate large‑aperture telescopes, gimbals, telescope arrays, and precision pointing systems. Select and integrate fiber amplifiers, adaptive optics, PAT systems, and optical metrology elements. Conduct trade studies, tolerance analyses, stray‑light modeling, and performance simulations. Lead atmospheric turbulence modeling and mitigation across design, algorithms, integration, and field testing. Provide technical oversight across subsystem development and integration. Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, thermal, and manufacturing teams. Develop ConOps, calibration/alignment procedures, commissioning plans, and ICDs. Drive design‑for‑assembly and design‑for‑manufacture. Support automation strategies for alignment, calibration, and operations. Contribute to design reviews, documentation, and system‑level validation. Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. 10+ years in optical systems engineering. Experience with free‑space optical communication ground systems. Proficiency with Zemax or Code V. Experience with large‑aperture telescopes and precision pointing. Knowledge of free‑space to single‑mode fiber coupling. Experience with adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, and correction. Understanding of atmospheric effects on optical links. Experience managing integrated optical system performance. Cross‑disciplinary collaboration experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience taking laser communication systems from lab to field. Experience with space‑to‑ground optical links. Experience with STOP analysis and precision pointing architectures. Experience with optical metrology and testing. Experience with IR sensors or tracking cameras. Experience with SolidWorks or CREO. Experience with EDFA, EYDFA, or Raman amplifiers. Benefits Compensation Range for WA applicants: $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 (other site ranges may differ). 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. Additional benefits and bonuses may be awarded at the company’s discretion. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Origin LLC