Senior Technical Program Manager - Optical Payload Systems

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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

Blue Origin's Emerging Systems business unit is building TeraWave, a satellite communications constellation powered by the most advanced optical communications architecture ever attempted: thousands of optically interconnected satellites delivering symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth, providing enterprise and hyperscale customers with resilient, scalable connectivity for critical operations where terrestrial infrastructure cannot reach.

This is a high-impact role for someone who operates with autonomy, navigates technical complexity, and drives cross-functional alignment in a fast-moving environment.

Special Mentions

Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Travel: approximately 15–20%

Responsibilities

Drive cross-functional coordination and execution across assigned optical payload program areas; maintain detailed schedules, track technical progress, and surface risks with clear ownership and mitigation paths.

Partner with engineering leads and program leadership to maintain roadmaps and aggressive schedules; support end-to-end execution from early development through EVT, DVT, PVT, and production ramp.

Identify and resolve cross-functional blockers through proactive coordination and servant leadership; escalate complex issues with well-structured recommendations and decision support.

Build and maintain scalable processes, tools, and reporting mechanisms that give teams visibility into progress and enable execution with speed and predictability.

Develop working relationships with engineering, operations, and business stakeholders; facilitate collaborative decision-making and ensure alignment across dependencies.

Translate complex technical challenges into clear program status, risk briefs, and stakeholder communications tailored to the audience.

Build a detailed understanding of payload technical requirements, interfaces, and dependencies to effectively support engineering tradeoffs and program decisions.

Embed customer and mission focus into day-to-day prioritization and decision support.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field.

7+ years in technical program management or systems/program leadership in hardware or complex product development environments.

Experience managing hardware programs through structured development cycles including EVT, DVT, and PVT.

Experience with agile development methods and hybrid hardware/software program execution.

Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional alignment and execution with limited direction in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.

Strong communication skills: able to synthesize technical complexity into clear schedules, risk registers, and decision-ready communications.

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 Qualifications

Experience in constellation-scale space programs or satellite/optical communications systems.

Experience managing supply chain and vendor programs in a hardware development context.

Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or systems engineering.

Agile certification (CSM, SAFe, PMI-ACP) or equivalent practical experience.

Base Pay Range for: 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.