Senior Software Engineer - Phased Array Control

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.

As a Senior Software Engineer on the TeraWave team, you own the firmware and control stack that operates advanced phased array antennas across satellite payloads and customer terminals. You work at the intersection of embedded software, RF engineering, and digital signal processing. You develop the control systems that allow the network to maintain high-speed, low-latency links across dynamic orbital environments.

Responsibilities

Drive firmware features across the full stack, from bare-metal and RTOS code to system control software.

Design and implement algorithms for electronic beam steering, phase and amplitude updates, and array calibration.

Support the development lifecycle from hardware bring-up and silicon validation to integrated flight testing and on-orbit operations.

Develop high-availability software with autonomous fault detection and recovery, thermal management, and secure over-the-air updates.

Build data analysis tools to ingest telemetry, characterize array performance, and debug RF and signal-integrity issues.

Partner with antenna, RF, and ASIC engineers to define hardware and software interfaces and communication protocols.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Seven or more years of professional experience in embedded software development for high-performance systems.

Expert-level proficiency in C, C++, or Rust for resource-constrained, real-time environments.

Experience with RTOS or Embedded Linux kernel and driver development on multi-core SoCs.

Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and high-speed oscilloscopes.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience developing software for radiation-hardened or space-qualified systems, including latch-up mitigation and SEU recovery.

Direct experience with phased array antenna control, digital beamforming architectures, or high-frequency RF systems above 10GHz.

Familiarity with digital signal processing, modulation schemes, and MAC-layer protocols such as DVB-S2X or 3GPP NTN.

Experience developing drivers for proprietary silicon using high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, JESD204B/C, or SpaceWire.

Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop testing, formal verification, or automated testing for flight-critical firmware.

Experience owning embedded product lifecycles from initial architecture through delivery.

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.