Lead Space Optical Communications Engineer

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 182,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Senior Optical Communications Design Engineer to own and evolve the space-based laser communication system, leading a multidisciplinary team and shaping pointing algorithms, hardware solutions, and integration strategies.

You will perform link-budget analyses, validate end-to-end optical pipelines, and collaborate with systems, avionics, and software teams to ensure mission success for our global satellite constellation.

Qualifications

• BS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in design and development of optical communication systems.
• Experience leading or directing small technical teams comprising hardware and software specialists.
• Proven experience with optical communication systems for satellite constellations or aerospace applications.
• Strong understanding of PAT systems and algorithm development.
• Proficiency in optical link budget and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and optimization of free-space optical communication systems, including PAT and redundancy.
• Direct cross-functional team of hardware and software engineers to develop and validate optical communication algorithms and hardware.
• Design end-to-end optical communication pipeline, from data interface through signal processing and modulation to optical front-end.
• Oversee selection, integration, and testing of optical components and subsystems (lasers, modulators, detectors, pointing mechanisms).
• Perform detailed link budget analysis, modeling, and simulations for varying conditions including platform jitter.

Skills

Leadership

PAT algorithms

System-level thinking

Education

Bachelor of Science — Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

Code V

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Blue Origin seeks a Senior Optical Communications Design Engineer to own and evolve the space-based laser communication system, leading a multidisciplinary team and shaping pointing algorithms, hardware solutions, and integration strategies.

You will perform link-budget analyses, validate end-to-end optical pipelines, and collaborate with systems, avionics, and software teams to ensure mission success for our global satellite constellation.