Ground Software Architect - TeraWave

Blue Origin LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 231,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance (basic & supplemental)

Paid parental leave

Short/long-term disability

401(k) with company match up to 5%

Education Support Program

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a seasoned software engineer to design and deploy mission operations software for the TeraWave satellite constellation. You will guide ground system infrastructure, verify designs, and develop tools for in-house use while collaborating with spacecraft and systems engineers.

Requirements include a strong background in C/C++, Python, and experience with CI/CD, DoDAF/UML, and Agile processes using Confluence and Jira.

Qualifications

• B.S. or higher degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of software development experience including production software development.
• Experience using DoDAF, UML, C4 Model, Software Design Patterns.
• Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems.
• Proven software development skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience in software build automation, continuous integration, configuration management, verification, and deployment.
• Expertise in one or more: Real-time flight operations, Mission planning, flight planning and timeline development, Spacecraft telemetry, commanding and sequencing, Operational fault management, Agile processes with Confluence and Jira.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, verify and deploy mission operations, safety-critical software systems, ensuring the success of Blue Origin's TeraWave satellite constellation.
• Guide the development and implementation of operations software and ground system infrastructure.
• Perform trade studies to develop software tools in-house, adapt existing software, or purchase software to perform a particular function.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define software requirements, architectures, and designs.
• Coordinate with mission system engineers to plan, develop, and lead system verification and qualification.
• Produce documentation for software architecture, design, verification plans, user manual and training material.
• Support mission control software operations responsibilities during operator training; ground data system verification, validation and certification; spacecraft integration; and flight.
• Develop and integrate software components, including unit-level and system-level tests.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Software design patterns

CI/CD

Real-time systems

Engineering complex systems

Confluence/Jira

Education

B.S. or higher in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering

Tools

Git

Confluence

Jira

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! 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.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, verify and deploy mission operations, safety-critical software systems, ensuring the success of Blue Origin's TeraWave satellite constellation.
• Guide the development and implementation of operations software and ground system infrastructure.
• Perform trade studies to develop software tools in-house, adapt existing software, or purchase software to perform a particular function.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing spacecraft systems, infrastructure, and customers to define software requirements, architectures, and designs.
• Coordinate with mission system engineers to plan, develop, and lead system verification and qualification.
• Produce documentation for software architecture, design, verification plans, user manual and training material.
• Support mission control software operations responsibilities (maintenance, flaw correction, improvements) during operator training; ground data system verification, validation and certification; spacecraft integration; and flight.
• Develop and integrate software components, including unit-level and system-level tests.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or higher degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, aerospace engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of software development experience including production software development.
• Experience using tools such as DoDAF, UML, C4 Model, Software Design Patterns.
• Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems.
• Proven software development skills in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience in software build automation, continuous integration, configuration management, verification, and deployment.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: Real-time flight operations, Mission planning, flight planning and timeline development, Spacecraft telemetry, commanding and sequencing, Operational fault management, Experience with Agile software development processes and tools such as Confluence and Jira.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and developing software for space flight operations.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code and Cloud Technologies.
• Experience with communications protocols for space applications (e.g. CCSDS, DDS, etc.).
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems and associated subsystem software.
• Experience with requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation (DNG).
• Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
• Familiarity with version control, preferably Git.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment.

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range for: VA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 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, 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

• 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 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. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affidavit 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. We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future.

We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

U.S. Applicant Privacy Notice EU Applicant Privacy Notice