Ground Station Software Engineer III

Blue Origin; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Ground Software Engineer to support our Quartz program. You will design distributed software for a global ground station network, implement secure interfaces for TT&C, and deliver real-time dashboards.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external customers is essential as we enable reliable space communications. The role requires 5+ years in software development, strong Python/C++/Rust in Linux, and experience building production-quality software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• 5+ years of experience with Python, C++ or Rust.
• 5+ years of experience in Linux environments.
• Experience developing, testing, and maintaining production-quality software.
• Experience implementing software automation to reduce test time and automate operational features.
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional teamwork skills.
• U.S. citizenship or eligible work status is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop distributed software systems for ground station network operations.
• Test and integrate software for hardware and in-house systems.
• Analyze post-mission data to optimize network performance and generate recommendations.
• Architect secure, high-performance interfaces for TT&C and payload data transfer.
• Create APIs and documentation for ground station control.
• Develop web dashboards with real-time visualization.
• Integrate third-party ground stations and external customer systems.
• Build automated workflows and monitoring for operational stability.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Linux

Distributed systems

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

AWS

Ansible

Salesforce

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 role is part of the Blue National Security unit andsupportsBlue Origin's Quartz program.Quartz is building out a global network of Blue Origin owned and operated ground infrastructure. Quartz will be used by Blue Origin businesses and external customers providing reliable, flexible, and cost-effective communications services between Earth and space.

OurQuartz program is looking for experienced personnel to join their team. We're a group of problem-solvers with diverse skillsets, building and operating the ground stations that serve as the critical link connecting space to Earth. Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, you'll contribute innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and demands your dedicated commitment to safe, reliable spaceflight.

We are seeking an experiencedGround Software Engineer to support the development of our mission-critical operational platforms managingourglobalgroundstationnetwork. In this role, you will architect and implement solutions that form the vital communications backbone between Earth and space operations.

Working closely with cross-functional engineering teams and external customers, you will deliver scalable, secure, and highly reliable solutions that ensure continuous ground station availability for mission-critical spacecraft communications while providing sophisticated planning capabilities that maximize operational efficiency across the entire ground network.

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 include but are not limited to:

• Design and develop distributed software systems for ground station network operations and core infrastructure services.
• Test and integrate software systems that run on both commercial and in-house developed hardware.
• Conduct comprehensive post-mission analytics to evaluate ground network performance metrics, identify optimization opportunities, and generate technical recommendations for system improvements.
• Collaborate with external customers to architect secure, high-performancesoftware interfaces for Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) systems and payload data transfer workflow.
• Create APIs and interface documentation for ground station command and control.
• Develop interactive web dashboards with real-time visualization capabilities.
• Design and implement integration frameworks for third-party ground stations and external customer systems.
• Create automated workflow engines for routine operations, anomaly response, and autonomous sequences.
• Establish comprehensive monitoring systems with configurable alerts to ensure operational stability and visibility across the network.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, networking, and RF/DSP engineers to deliver scalable, secure solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• 5+ years of experience with Python, C++ or Rust.
• 5+ years of experience working in Linux environments.
• Experience developing, testing, and maintaining production-quality software.
• Experience implementing software automation to reduce test time and automate operational features.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated track record of resourcefulness from their previous assignments.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships.
• Strong written and communication skills to support end-to-end customer testing for both internal programs and external clients.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in JavaScript and experience building backend or full-stack applications.
• 5+ years of experience working on ground station or communication system operations.
• Experience with AWS cloud infrastructure.
• Experience designing and consuming APIs including RESTful services.
• Experience using generative AI tools to deliver software products inreducedtimeframesvs traditional development methods.
• Working knowledge of network protocols including TCP and UDP.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
• Familiarity with Ansible (for deployment and configuration management).
• Understanding of RF and modulation/demodulation concepts.
• Understanding of networking concepts such as routing, latency, bandwidth, and reliability.
• Familiarity with monitoring, logging, and observability tools in production environments.
• AI experience for State of Health diagnosis in NOC and network orchestration environments.
• Proven experience implementing and integrating OSS and BSS systems within telecommunications or similar industries.
• Hands‑on experience working with CRM platforms, preferably Salesforce, including configuration, integration, and process automation.
• Strong understanding of customer lifecycle management, front end interfacing, and sales enablement features within CRM tools.
• Demonstrated experience integrating systems and workflows across the full mission chain, including mission planning and operations, Monitoring & Control (M&C) systems, ground station scheduling and resource allocation, with a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end data flows between these systems

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80VA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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