Principal Software Engineer – TeraWave Vehicle Platforms (Infrastructure)

Blue Origin; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 231,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life insurance

401(k) match

Education support program

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Principal Software Engineer for the TeraWave Vehicle Platforms infrastructure, to design and build the Linux-based nervous system that powers satellites, terminals and gateways. You will lead architecture and own the software lifecycle in a high-autonomy, mission-critical environment.

The role requires deep embedded Linux expertise, kernel/driver development, and experience with large-scale device fleets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or 10+ years of software experience.
• 8+ years of C/C++ in Linux or embedded environments.
• Deep Linux kernel, driver development, and system debugging skills.
• Experience with Buildroot/Yocto/Bazel and embedded tooling.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement core Linux-based platform infrastructure for vehicles.
• Lead architecture for global image management and OTA updates.
• Build high-throughput logging and telemetry pipelines from edge to data centers.
• Collaborate with Silicon, Electrical, and RF teams on hardware bring-up and kernel optimizations.
• Debug and optimize system bottlenecks; tune networking for high-frequency links.
• Implement secure boot and hardware-backed credential management; own lifecycle from design to deployment.

Skills

C/C++

Linux kernel

Driver development

GDB

perf

eBPF

Build systems

Networking

Rust

Python

Distributed systems

Linux tooling

System optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE

Tools

Buildroot

Yocto

Bazel

Job description

Principal Software Engineer – TeraWave Vehicle Platforms (Infrastructure)### Principal Software Engineer – TeraWave Vehicle Platforms (Infrastructure)Apply: Greater Seattle Area: Cupertino, CA: Full time: Posted Today: R75519Application 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 connectivity with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Vehicle Platforms team for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network.This role will be instrumental in designing and building the foundational platform infrastructure—the \"nervous system\"—that runs across our entire fleet of Satellites, User Terminals, and Gateways, ensuring reliable, secure, and performant operations in the most demanding environments imaginable.The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Linux-based embedded systems, full-lifecycle software ownership, and the drive to operate with high autonomy in a fast-paced environment where foundational engineering meets mission-critical execution.**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Design and implement core Linux-based platform infrastructure, including process management, custom init systems, and robust IPC frameworks* Lead the architecture for global image management and Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems, ensuring a multi-thousand-vehicle fleet can be updated safely, frequently, and with zero downtime* Build high-throughput, low-overhead logging and telemetry pipelines capable of reporting health and performance metrics from edge devices to ground-based data centers* Partner closely with Silicon, Electrical, and RF Engineering teams to bring up new hardware prototypes and optimize the Linux kernel and drivers for custom SoC designs* Debug and optimize system-level performance bottlenecks, including minimizing context switches and tuning the networking stack for high-frequency satellite links* Implement secure boot flows, runtime security monitoring, and hardware-backed credential management for all vehicle components* Own the full software lifecycle from initial design through deployment on satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)**Minimum Qualifications:*** Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field; or 10+ years of professional software development experience* 8+ years of experience with C or C++ in a Linux or embedded environment* Deep proficiency with the Linux kernel, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF* Experience with build systems such as Buildroot, Yocto, or Bazel**Preferred Qualifications:*** Proven experience building infrastructure for large-scale distributed systems or device fleets* Proficiency in Rust or Python for systems-level tooling and automation* Strong understanding of the Linux networking stack (TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet) and custom routing protocols* Experience developing software for mission-critical systems in aerospace, automotive, or medical industries where failure is not an option* First-principles engineering mindset with comfort analyzing assembly code or hardware-level diagnostics when solving complex problems### Base Pay Range for:CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85**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*** Benefits 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.