Ground Software Architect - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 230,773 - 323,082; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Origin's TeraWave Ground Systems team is seeking a Ground Software Architect to guide software architecture, verification planning, and ground-to-space communications for the multi-orbit constellation. You will mentor a team of mission operation software developers, collaborating with Systems Engineering to meet cost, schedule, and technical priorities. The role requires strong software skills and experience in real-time flight operations and mission planning.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in computer/space-related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of software development including production software.
• Experience with DoDAF, UML, and software design patterns.
• Strong C/C++ and Python skills.
• Experience with build automation, CI/CD, config management, verification and deployment.
• Experience in real-time flight operations, mission planning, and spacecraft telemetry.
• Familiarity with Agile software development and tools.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, verify and deploy mission operations software systems for the TeraWave constellation.
• Guide development of ground system infrastructure and operations software.
• Perform trade studies to select or develop software tools as needed.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define software requirements and architectures.
• Coordinate with mission system engineers on verification and qualification planning.
• Produce documentation for architecture, designs, verification plans, and manuals.
• Mentor and lead a team of mission operations software developers.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Real-time systems

Software design patterns

UML

DoDAF

Agile

Systems engineering

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Tools

Confluence

Jira

Git

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 are developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems with 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 pursuing the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will connect optically linked satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) to provide enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

Our TeraWave business unit is seeking experienced personnel to join the Ground System team as the TeraWave Ground Software Architect. We value safety and problem-solving, and this position will significantly impact the history of space and require commitment and attention to detail.

As the Ground Software Architect, you will work closely with Systems Engineering teams to support and guide software architecture, technology selection, and verification planning aligned with requirements and payload customer needs to operate the on-orbit satellite constellation. Strong software skills are needed to actively develop and mentor a team of mission operation software developers responsible for space-to-ground communications, command and control, mission planning, and flight dynamics for the TeraWave constellation. The role collaborates with the Sr. Manager of Ground Systems to meet cost, schedule, and technical priorities.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, implement, test, verify and deploy mission operations, safety-critical software systems, ensuring the success of the 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 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 manuals 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.

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.

Pay and Benefits

Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85. Other site ranges may differ.

Culture Statement

Not meeting every desired qualification should not deter you from applying. We encourage qualified applicants with diverse backgrounds to apply and consider roles that fit their experience.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions.
• Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check may be required for certain profiles if the role requires access to military installations.
• Certain profiles may require Driver Qualifications Files, Medical Certification, Road Test, Hours of Service, and other regulatory checks for CDL drivers or hazardous materials handling.
• Merchant Mariner Credential requirements may apply for certain profiles.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, and Education Support Program.
• Stock options for regular employees (at least 20 hours/week).
• Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per year plus up to 14 company holidays.
• Eligibility for additional benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, and company discretion. Details provided by recruiter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire and promote based on qualifications, performance, and abilities. We provide equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms of employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic factors, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. For more information, please see the Know Your Rights resources.