Ground Station Software Engineer III

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Stock options

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Ground Software Engineer to support the Quartz program, building and operating the global ground station network that connects Earth and space. You will design scalable software, implement APIs for TT&C workflows, and deliver real-time dashboards for mission critical operations.

You will collaborate with cross functional teams, stay focused on security and reliability, and help optimize ground network performance with post-mission analytics and automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience.
• 5+ years of Python, C++, or Rust experience.
• 5+ years of Linux experience.
• Experience with building production-grade software.
• Experience automating tests and operational features.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop distributed software for ground station network operations and core infrastructure services.
• Test and integrate software on commercial and in-house hardware.
• Collaborate with external customers to architect secure, high-performance interfaces for TT&C and payload data transfer.
• Create APIs and dashboards for ground station control and real-time visualization.
• Develop automated workflows for routine operations and anomaly response.
• Establish monitoring and alerting across the network.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Linux

APIs/REST

Distributed systems

Telem/TT&C

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field

Tools

AWS cloud

JSON/REST

Git

Docker

Telemetry/TT&C tools

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 and supports Blue 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.Our Quartz 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 experienced Ground Software Engineer to support the development of our mission-critical operational platform s managing our global ground station network. 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-performance software 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 QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field5+ years of professional software development experience5+ years of experience with Python, C++ or Rust5+ years of experience working in Linux environmentsExperience developing, testing, and maintaining production-quality software.Experience implementing software automation to reduce test time and automate operational featuresStrong problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teamsDemonstrated 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 QualificationsProficiency in JavaScript and experience building backend or full-stack applications5+ years of experience working on ground station or communication system operationsExperience with AWS cloud infrastructureExperience designing and consuming APIs including RESTful servicesExperience using generative AI tools to deliver software products in reduced timeframes vs traditional development methodsWorking knowledge of network protocols including TCP and UDPAbility to work independently and communicate effectivelyFamiliarity with Ansible (for deployment and configuration management)Understanding of RF and modulation/demodulation conceptsUnderstanding of networking concepts such as routing, latency, bandwidth, and reliabilityFamiliarity with monitoring, logging, and observability tools in production environmentsAI experience for State of Health diagnosis in NOC and network orchestration environmentsProven 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 systemsBase 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 - $230,512.80Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon’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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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. Please check with your recruiter for more details.Equal Employment OpportunityBlue 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 AccommodationApplicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action 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.