Satellite Flight Software Engineer III - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) match

Education support

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Satellite Flight Software Engineer III to design, implement, and verify mission‑critical flight software for the TeraWave constellation.

You will craft robust C++/C software, develop telecommand/telemetry pipelines, and ensure precise spacecraft time management and secure interfaces across subsystems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software or embedded software development.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python.
• Experience with RTOS such as Linux, QNX, VxWorks, RTEMS or equivalent.
• Experience with CCSDS standards for spacecraft telecommand and telemetry processing.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles for space systems.
• Experience with unit testing frameworks such as Google Test.
• Experience with IPC mechanisms including sockets, shared memory, message queues, or publish‑subscribe middleware.
• Experience with cross‑compilation toolchains and embedded Linux build systems such as CMake, Yocto, Buildroot.
• Experience with software lifecycle, configuration management (Git), CI/CD, and containerized environments.
• Experience with verification/validation practices for mission‑critical embedded software systems.
• Experience with communication protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, I2C, SPI, and RS‑422/485.
• Familiarity with static analysis tools and flight software coding standards such as MISRA C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement flight software for C&DH and telemetry, including command routing and onboard data management.
• Develop telecommand and telemetry processing software for uplink command validation, scheduling, and execution, and onboard health data management.
• Develop spacecraft time management software including onboard time correlation and GPS time reference synchronization.
• Create and maintain software interfaces between C&DH and other spacecraft subsystems for safe vehicle operations.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and autonomy engineers to define software requirements and boundaries.
• Develop and integrate simulation environments and models to test FSW across nominal and off‑nominal scenarios.
• Support software architecture reviews and systems engineering trade studies.
• Participate in software integration, verification, and validation testing (SIL/HIL).
• Support on‑orbit operations and troubleshooting of deployed spacecraft.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical development.

Skills

C/C++

Python

RTOS experience

CCSDS standards

Cybersecurity

Unit testing (GTest)

IPC mechanisms

Cross‑platform development

Cross‑compilation toolchains

Git & CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

6+ years spacecraft flight software experience

Tools

Git

CMake

Yocto/Buildroot

Linux toolchain

Google Test

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.

We are seeking a Satellite Flight Software Engineer III to design, develop, and verify applications for TeraWave's satellite flight software subsystem. This role will be instrumental in building robust, scalable flight software to support the expansion of TeraWave into a 5,408-vehicle constellation. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer with experience developing reliable, mission‑critical software for onboard spacecraft avionics systems with emphasis on command and data handling (C&DH), telecommand and telemetry processing, spacecraft time management, hardware I/O interfaces, and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, and implement flight software for TeraWave's command and data handling (C&DH) software, including command routing, onboard data management, telemetry generation, and subsystem control
• Develop telecommand and telemetry processing software for uplink command validation, scheduling, and execution, and onboard health and status data collection and downlink management
• Develop spacecraft time management software including onboard time correlation, synchronization with GPS/GNSS time references, and precision timing distribution across vehicle subsystems
• Create and maintain software interfaces between C&DH and other spacecraft subsystems to support safe and secure vehicle operations
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and autonomy engineers to define software requirements, interfaces, and behavioral boundaries across subsystems
• Develop and integrate simulation environments and models to test FSW across a range of nominal and off‑nominal operational scenarios
• Support software architecture, design reviews, and systems engineering trade studies
• Participate in software integration, verification, and validation testing including software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments
• Support on‑orbit operations and troubleshooting of deployed spacecraft
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical development

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software or embedded software development
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python
• Solid understanding of Object‑Oriented problem solving and software layering to facilitate modularity and reuse
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS) such as Linux, QNX, VxWorks, RTEMS or equivalent
• Experience developing software for one or more spacecraft avionics functions such as C&DH, telecommand and telemetry processing, or hardware I/O management
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards for spacecraft telecommand and telemetry processing
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles for space systems including secure boot, command authentication, or encrypted communication links
• Experience with software unit testing frameworks such as Google Test or equivalent for embedded C/C++ environments
• Experience with inter‑process communication (IPC) mechanisms including sockets, shared memory, message queues, or publish‑subscribe middleware
• Experience with cross‑compilation toolchains and embedded Linux build systems such as CMake, Make, Yocto, or Buildroot
• Experience with software lifecycle, configuration management (Git), CI/CD, and containerized environments
• Experience with verification/validation practices for mission‑critical embedded software systems
• Experience with communication protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, I2C, SPI, and RS‑422/485
• Familiarity with static analysis tools and flight software coding standards such as MISRA C/C++

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Experience with on‑orbit spacecraft operations or satellite constellation management
• Experience with over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates
• Familiarity with CCSDS standards for spacecraft telecommand and telemetry processing
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles for space systems including secure boot, command authentication, or encrypted communication links
• Experience with onboard time management, precision timing interfaces, or GPS‑disciplined time synchronization
• Familiarity with NASA cFS, F Prime, or similar flight software frameworks
• Familiarity with spacecraft FDIR and autonomy software components and their interfaces
• Understanding of radiation effects on electronics and software‑based mitigation techniques

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we're building the future of space‑based connectivity through the TeraWave satellite communications network. As a Satellite Flight Software Engineer III, you will design and test flight software and contribute directly to a large‑scale satellite constellation delivering high‑performance, resilient global communications. Join a team solving complex, mission‑critical problems at the intersection of spacecraft, software, networking, and systems integration.

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80 CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05 WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.

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 workforce. 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Aff… 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.