Lead Space Optical Communications Architect

Blue Origin; Florida; On-site; USD 160,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Principal Optical Communications Architect to lead the space-based lasercomm architecture within the National Security Business Unit. You will shape end-to-end optical link designs, perform rigorous trade studies, and guide prototype validation for on-orbit operations.

You will collaborate with government customers and industry partners, translate capabilities into compelling proposals, and mentor engineers across the organization while addressing mission objectives with

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in space-based optical communications systems.
• Expertise in lasercomm terminal design and end-to-end system architecture.
• Experience defining spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal technical authority for space-based optical communications architecture.
• Lead design and development of free-space optical communications systems; conduct trade studies.
• Perform simulations, prototyping, and validation across lifecycle stages from formulation to on-orbit operations.
• Define end-to-end optical architectures including space-to-space, space-to-ground, ground-to-space links across LEO to cislunar.
• Develop subsystem expertise in OCT design, PAT, telescopes, laser sources, high-rate modems.
• Establish link budgets, analyses, and performance models for mission planning.
• Collaborate with customers to translate capabilities into proposals and solutions.
• Engage with government customers, program offices, and industry partners.

Skills

12+ years experience in space-based O{

Lasercomm terminal design

FSO communications

End-to-end system architecture

Trade studies & risk assessments

Link budget analysis

On-orbit operations

Technical mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Optical Engineering / Physics

MS or PhD preferred

Job description

Blue Origin seeks a Principal Optical Communications Architect to lead the space-based lasercomm architecture within the National Security Business Unit. You will shape end-to-end optical link designs, perform rigorous trade studies, and guide prototype validation for on-orbit operations.

You will collaborate with government customers and industry partners, translate capabilities into compelling proposals, and mentor engineers across the organization while addressing mission objectives with