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.