Chief Systems Architect - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 244,536 - 342,349; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k) match

Education Support

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Chief Systems Architect to act as independent technical authority across our Laser Communications & Optical Systems Program and the TeraWave Constellation Program. The role requires strong engineering and collaboration skills to ensure technical compliance across development and operations in a fast-paced environment.

The candidate will lead architectural assessments, guide cross-functional teams, and ensure robust risk management, with travel as needed to support programs

Qualifications

• B.S. in engineering or related field with 15+ years design/analysis experience.
• Experience in full life-cycle aerospace optical systems.
• Experience developing laser optical or satellite communications.
• Ability to travel or TDY for production/ops.

Responsibilities

• Act as independent technical authority for the TeraWave Constellation Program, providing architectural assessments with PM and product owners.
• Identify gaps between requirements, design, manufacturing, operations, and facility solutions, and propose practical solutions.
• Assess and disposition aggregate technical risks across optical communication systems and components; approve technical completion and compliance at major program reviews.
• Provide engineering leadership to coordinate design, analysis, and systems engineering processes throughout development, verification, delivery and operation of laser communication systems.
• Provide independent review of corrective actions for major failures and work with managers to address systemic issues.
• Facilitate technical trades and advise teams on solutions for optical communications architectures; ensure compliance with standards.
• Represent the Company and project with key customers and partners.

Skills

Optical communications

Photonic design

Systems architecture

Technical leadership

Risk assessment

Cross-functional

Technical communication

Travel readiness

Education

B.S. in engineering

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Chief Systems Architect to provide independent technical authority across our Laser Communications & Optical Systems Program and the TeraWave Constellation Program. The role requires strong engineering and collaboration skills to ensure technical compliance across the development and operational lifecycle in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the independent technical authority for the TeraWave Constellation Program, providing architectural assessments of requirements, design, risks, budget, and schedule with the Program Manager and product owners.
• Identify gaps between requirements, design, manufacturing, operations, and facility solutions, and propose practical solutions across the lifecycle.
• Assess and disposition aggregate technical risks across optical communication systems and components; approve technical completion and compliance at major program and element technical reviews.
• Provide engineering leadership and mentoring to coordinate design, analysis, and systems engineering processes throughout development, verification, delivery and operation of laser communication systems.
• Provide independent review of corrective actions for major failures and work with functional managers to address systemic issues.
• Facilitate technical trades and advise teams on solutions for optical communications architectures; collaborate with team members to implement engineering process health and compliance with standards for products and programs.
• Represent the Company and project with key customers and partners.
• Apply technical expertise, leadership, and dedication to quality to positively impact advanced space communications systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in an engineering-related field, with 15+ years of design, development or analysis experience
• Demonstrated experience in full life-cycle development of aerospace optical systems and photonics
• Experience in the development of laser communications, optical systems, or satellite communications
• Experience designing, deploying and supporting one or more complete optical communication systems or systems of similar complexity
• Highly organized with excellent technical written and verbal communication skills
• Proven track record of operating with cohesive and effective teams and drive decision making within those teams
• Experience with development in mission and safety-critical environments
• Ability to travel and/or temporary duty in support of growing tempos of production and operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chief Engineer in aerospace or optical communications development programs
• Leadership experience in photonics, laser systems, or fiber optics development environments
• Knowledge of free-space optical principles and space-based communication systems
• Experience with optical measurement, testing, and performance characterization
• Security clearance SSBI is desired but not required

Compensation

Compensation range for WA applicants is $244,536.00 - $342,349.35. Other site ranges may differ.

Culture and Eligibility

At Blue Origin, we value an authentic workplace and encourage applicants who may not meet every desired qualification to apply. Export control regulations require U.S. citizenship or eligible status. Background checks and other compliance requirements apply as part of the hiring process.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Stock options for regular employees (at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid time off up to four weeks per year plus holidays

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire and promote based on qualifications, performance, and abilities, and foster a workplace that values trust, equality, and teamwork. We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws. For more information on Know Your Rights, please see the policy statements in our communications.