Ground Data Systems Engineer level 3 - In-Space Systems

Socket.dev; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

Parental leave

Short and long-term disability

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Ground Data Systems Engineer3 to join the In‑Space Systems team in Reston, VA. You will own ground data system requirements and interfaces, work with flight and ground teams, and drive verification, validation, and production releases across the space-to-ground lifecycle.

The role requires 5+ years in space-to-ground and RF communications, knowledge of CCSDS, modulation and coding schemes, encryption, Python, and STK.

Qualifications

• B.S. in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, CS, physics or related field.
• 5+ years in Space-to-Ground communications and ground systems.
• Experience with CCSDS, OSI stack, transport protocols, and CCSDS standards.
• Ability to develop link budgets and predict data rates.
• Knowledge of modulation formats and channel coding (DVB-S2/X, Ka/S/X).
• Experience with ranging, encryption, TCP/IP, and network concepts.
• Proficiency in Python and STK simulations for RF analyses.

Responsibilities

• Define, derive, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements with traceability.
• Collaborate with flight, ground software, and external vendors on architecture.
• Develop ground data system architectures across mission requirements.
• Define interfaces and control documents (e.g., S/V to Ground interfaces).
• Plan, perform, and document verification and validation for Ground Data Systems.
• Lead production software release cycles with integration and test activities.
• Support improvements to Mission Systems and Flight Operations processes.
• Analyze operability across Space–Ground System and improve where justified.

Skills

Space-to-Ground

CCSDS protocols

Python scripting

RF/communications

Satellite Tool Kit (STK)

DOORS Next Generation

Confluence/JIRA

Ground Data Systems design

Education

B.S. in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

Windchill

STK

DOORS Next Generation

Job description

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!

The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit.

This position will report to the In‑Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead.

As a Ground Data Systems Engineer3, you will work closely with an accomplished team of Ground System, Software, Mission Systems, and Flight Operations Engineers. You will perform RF / Communications development, testing, and deployment tasks across space and ground boundaries through the full system lifecycle. You will be responsible for owning and maintaining technical capabilities crucial to the space‑to‑ground operations of spacecraft with a range of concepts of operations. The ideal candidate is someone who brings creative ideas, along with the persistence and passion to build a program. You will enjoy a fast‑paced dynamic environment, contribute innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail.

We are looking for someone to apply their vision, passion, technical expertise, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Join us in enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth - passion for our mission is required!

Responsibilities

• Identify, derive, develop, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements, including traceability and verification and validation approaches.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration & Test, and external vendors & ground station providers.
• Develop and refine the ground data system and communications architectures across a broad set of mission requirements.
• Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents, for example, Space Vehicle to Ground Network interfaces.
• Plan, perform, and document requirement verification and validation for Ground Data Systems.
• Plan and perform frequent Ground Data Systems product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to production software releases.
• Support initiatives to improve Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools.
• Perform analysis to ensure operability across the Space‑Ground System, and support efforts to improve operability where justified.

Qualifications

• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of technical experience developing Space-to-Ground Communications systems and their ground systems.
• 5+ years of technical experience in the Communications domain, spanning the complete OSI stack, including transport protocols and standards (including CCSDS), and application protocol definition.
• Experience developing communications link budgets to predict link closure and data rates.
• Proficiency with communication standards and protocols including modulation formats and channel coding (e.g., DVB-S2/X, Ka/S/X bands).
• Experience with ranging systems, i.e., CCSDS regenerative and transparent ranging, PN ranging codes.
• Experience with Type 1 encryption and other secure communication technologies.
• Experience with computer networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.).
• Proficiency in a scripting language, preferably Python.
• Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit (STK) simulations with RF link analysis reports.
• Experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems.
• Experience with integrating with ground network providers.
• Experience with instrumentation and Hardware/Software based Ground Modems (i.e., Amergint, Kratos).
• Experience in a complex system lifecycle – requirement definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic work environment.
• Ability to travel in support of test and flight operations.
• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive and professional relationships.
• 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.

Desired

• M.S. in a related technical field.
• Experience in space communication systems, particularly those geared towards Lunar, CisLunar or deep‑space missions.
• Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners.
• First principles knowledge of major spacecraft subsystems including Avionics, TT&C and/or RF Communications.
• Experience with requirements management tools, preferably DOORS Next Generation.
• Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA, and version control like Git.
• Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill.

Base Pay Range for: CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace.

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, 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.

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 work force. 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation