Principal Architect, Space Safety and Sustainability

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 170,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

Paid time off (PTO)

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a senior architecture leader to define the TeraWave space safety and sustainability framework. You will specify systems, standards, and interfaces across fleet management, ground operations, and regulatory compliance, guiding autonomous operations and debris mitigation.

The role requires deep expertise in orbital mechanics, space traffic management, and program architecture, with collaboration across propulsion, GNC, power, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, systems engineering, or related technical field.
• Ten or more years of experience in spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, or space operations.
• Direct experience in two of: space traffic management, collision avoidance, debris analysis, or constellation architecture.
• Experience defining system-level architecture including requirements allocation, interface definition, and performance budgeting across subsystems.
• Experience with orbit propagation, conjunction assessment, and debris modeling using STK, Python, or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Architect TeraWave space traffic coordination strategy, including orbit selection, inter-operator coordination, and ephemeris data acquisition and processing systems.
• Define end-to-end collision risk mitigation architecture, from automated conjunction data ingestion through spacecraft hardware and operational designs.
• Define functional architecture and interfaces across conjunction assessment, maneuver planning, fleet management, and ground operations, allocating requirements and performance budgets.
• Establish engineering standards, analysis methods, and tools for debris minimization, including demisability, MMOD failure mitigation, and end-of-life passivization.
• Define post-mission disposal approach linking orbit selection, disposal reliability, natural decay timelines, and emerging regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with spacecraft, GNC, propulsion, power, and operations teams to embed space safety requirements early in system design.
• Provide technical foundation for regulatory engagement, including compliance assessments against NASA-STD-8719.14C and the ODMSP.
• Lead technical interchanges with satellite operators and industry forums, and recommend approaches to reducing impacts on astronomical observations.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Spacecraft systems

Space operations

System architecture

STK/Python/MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, systems engineering, or related technical field

Master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or related field with orbital mechanics or debris focus

Tools

STK

Python

MATLAB

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! Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. As a member of the TeraWave Chief Systems Architecture office, you will hold a senior technical leadership role defining the architecture by which TeraWave achieves its space safety and sustainability goals — translating Blue Origin's foundational commitment to preserving the space environment into concrete system designs, engineering standards, and performance requirements that govern the program. TeraWave is a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth, servicing tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. As a large-scale low Earth orbit constellation, TeraWave carries both the responsibility and the opportunity to set a new industry standard for how commercial operators manage debris mitigation, collision avoidance, and space traffic coordination. This is fundamentally an architecture role. You will define the systems, standards, and technical framework by which TeraWave meets and exceeds its space safety commitments across all operational phases and at full fleet scale. Implementation and detailed design of fleet management and operational systems will be carried out by the relevant teams within the broader TeraWave organization, working iteratively against the architecture you establish. Successful candidates will bring deep expertise in orbital mechanics, space traffic management, and debris analysis alongside the cross-functional judgment to embed space safety requirements into the earliest stages of integrated design — avoiding late-cycle surprises and ensuring our commitments are not only met but exceeded. If you share our passion for leaving space better than we found it, thrive in a dynamic startup environment, excel on integrated cross-functional teams, are experienced and skilled in several relevant areas listed below, continuously seek out opportunities to learn and improve, and do not allow title or job description to limit the depth or breadth of your contributions, then we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

• Architect TeraWave space traffic coordination strategy, including orbit selection, inter-operator coordination, and ephemeris data acquisition and processing systems.
• Define end-to-end collision risk mitigation architecture, from automated conjunction data ingestion through spacecraft hardware and operational designs.
• Define functional architecture and interfaces across conjunction assessment, maneuver planning, fleet management, and ground operations, allocating requirements and performance budgets.
• Establish engineering standards, analysis methods, and tools for debris minimization, including demisability, MMOD failure mitigation, and end-of-life passivization.
• Define post-mission disposal approach linking orbit selection, disposal reliability, natural decay timelines, and emerging regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with spacecraft, GNC, propulsion, power, and operations teams to embed space safety requirements early in system design.
• Provide technical foundation for regulatory engagement, including compliance assessments against NASA-STD-8719.14C and the ODMSP.
• Lead technical interchanges with satellite operators and industry forums, and recommend approaches to reducing impacts on astronomical observations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, systems engineering, or related technical field.
• Ten or more years of experience in spacecraft systems, orbital mechanics, or space operations.
• Direct experience in two of: space traffic management, collision avoidance, debris analysis, or constellation architecture.
• Experience defining system-level architecture including requirements allocation, interface definition, and performance budgeting across subsystems.
• Experience with orbit propagation, conjunction assessment, and debris modeling using STK, Python, or MATLAB.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, astrodynamics, or related field with orbital mechanics or debris focus.
• Twelve or more years of experience spanning orbital mechanics, space traffic management, and LEO constellation programs.
• Familiarity with NASA-STD-8719.14C and the ODMSP, including technical contributions to ODARs or equivalent compliance documentation.
• Knowledge of conjunction data message formats, space surveillance network products, and commercial SSA data sources and services.
• Knowledge of demisability analysis, MMOD shielding, passivization design, re-entry survivability, and ground casualty risk analysis.
• Leadership or management experience with a demonstrated record of driving technical consensus across cross-functional organizations.
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills, including presenting technical positions to technical and non-technical audiences.

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

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 into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check Required for all positions

Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required 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 physical.

Benefits

• 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 Opportunity

Blue 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. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here. Applicants 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.

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.

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