Ground Systems Software Engineer - Deep Space Communications

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is expanding the reach of space exploration by developing deep space communications infrastructure and end-to-end ground systems. You will design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, including DTN implementation and external APIs for data delivery, while collaborating with NASA and mission partners.

You will build ground system interfaces and ensure reliable operation across long light-time delays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of software development experience with production code in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience developing and maintaining external-facing APIs for data delivery.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) and DevSecOps practices.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, including DTN implementation, customer data routing, and external APIs for payload data delivery.
• Build and evolve ground system software interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth-based services.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into robust software designs and implementations.
• Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance to ensure reliable operation across deep space light-time delays.
• Implement ground system interfaces conforming to applicable standards (e.g., CCSDS, DTN Bundle Protocol) for civil deep space missions.
• Engage with external stakeholders including NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams on software interface design and integration.
• Document software architecture, interfaces, and operational procedures; support deployment and handoff to operations teams.
• Mentor peers on software engineering best practices including scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

External APIs

Cloud platforms

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Software Engineering

Master's degree in CS/Software Engineering

Tools

DTN

CCSDS

RESTful APIs

Job description

Blue Origin is expanding the reach of space exploration by developing deep space communications infrastructure and end-to-end ground systems. You will design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, including DTN implementation and external APIs for data delivery, while collaborating with NASA and mission partners.

You will build ground system interfaces and ensure reliable operation across long light-time delays.