Avionics Hardware Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 130,706 - 182,987; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel up to 25%

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an Avionics Hardware Engineer to lead hardware development for satellite platforms, including Payload Control Units, FPGA logic, and electrical interfaces. You will collaborate across teams to ensure robust system integration and documentation, supporting flight hardware integration and testing.

The role requires strong FPGA/avionics experience, with emphasis on harnessing, interface control, and EMC/EMI mitigation in a space environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field and 5+ years in avionics hardware design or spacecraft systems integration.
• Proven experience with FPGA/ASIC design and verification using VHDL or Verilog.
• Experience designing and integrating avionics hardware and complex circuit cards.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware development and integration of the Payload Control Unit from requirements to implementation.
• Design, develop, and modify FPGA logic for translator boards and payload systems.
• Provide avionics systems engineering support and ensure cohesive architecture.
• Define ICDs for avionics and payload integration with clear documentation.
• Develop electrical interfaces between payloads, avionics, and satellite bus systems.
• Lead electrical harnessing design and harness assembly documentation.
• Establish timing and synchronization architectures for payload coordination.
• Develop EMC/EMI mitigation strategies and grounding schemes for space systems.
• Create power budgets for integrated payloads and avionics across mission phases.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and software engineers for full integration.
• Support environmental testing including planning, execution, and data analysis.

Skills

FPGA development

Avionics hardware design

Spacecraft electrical systems

VHDL/Verilog

Electrical interface design

EMC/EMI testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Altium

Cadence

SPICE

Job description

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.

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 an Avionics Hardware Engineer, you will be at the heart of developing and integrating the advanced electrical and avionics systems for our satellite platforms. You will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of critical hardware, including payload control units and translator boards, while also defining the electrical interfaces that tie these complex systems together. This role requires a unique blend of expertise in FPGA development, avionics systems engineering, and hands‑on electrical integration.

Special Mentions:

• Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
• Travel expectations: Up to 25% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the hardware development and integration of the Payload Control Unit, from requirements definition to final implementation.
• Design, develop, and modify FPGA logic for translator boards and payload control systems, ensuring robust performance and functionality.
• Provide avionics systems engineering support, collaborating across teams to ensure cohesive system architecture and performance.
• Define and develop electrical Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for avionics and payload integration, ensuring comprehensive documentation.
• Design and implement power and data interfaces between payloads, avionics, and satellite bus systems, optimizing for reliability and efficiency.
• Lead the development of electrical harnessing designs, including wire routing, connector selection, and harness assembly documentation.
• Establish timing and synchronization architectures to ensure precise coordination between payload systems and satellite subsystems.
• Develop and implement EMC/EMI mitigation strategies and grounding schemes to ensure electromagnetic compatibility across integrated systems.
• Create and maintain power budgets for integrated payloads and avionics, ensuring power requirements are met throughout all mission phases.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and software engineers to ensure comprehensive system integration.
• Support environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) of electrical systems, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in avionics hardware design, FPGA development, or spacecraft electrical systems integration.
• Demonstrated experience with FPGA/ASIC design and verification using VHDL or Verilog.
• Experience in developing and integrating avionics hardware or complex circuit card assemblies.
• Proficiency in electrical design tools such as Altium, Cadence, or equivalent, and simulation tools like SPICE.
• Strong understanding of power distribution systems, high-speed data interfaces (e.g., SpaceWire, Ethernet, SerDes), and digital/analog signal processing.
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and mitigation techniques in space or aerospace applications.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in a relevant avionics or payload integration role.
• Experience with the complete lifecycle of avionics hardware, from concept and requirements to production and testing.
• Hands‑on experience with flight hardware integration and testing.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with high‑level synthesis (HLS) for FPGAs.
• Familiarity with spacecraft command and data handling systems and protocols.
• Experience with timing and synchronization protocols (e.g., PTP, GPS timing).
• Background in developing and testing high‑reliability electrical systems for space environments.

Why Blue Origin:

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As an Avionics Hardware Engineer, you will play a crucial role in developing the technologies that will expand humanity's presence in space. You'll work with world‑class teams on challenging problems, have access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.

Join us in our mission to build a road to space so our children can build the future.

Compensation Range for WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70. 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.

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 workforce. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affiantive Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.