Senior Embedded Software Engineer - TeraWave Customer Terminals

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 198,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize firmware for next-generation satellite user terminals. You will build mission-critical software enabling real-time beam steering and high-throughput data routing, working at the intersection of hardware and software.

You will craft bare-metal or RTOS-based firmware for high-speed communication systems, interface with RF hardware, and ensure robust security and OTA updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software development, specifically working on high-speed communications, radar, networking, or aerospace hardware.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C and C++ for embedded systems.
• Deep experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks) and/or Embedded Linux).
• Strong ability to read complex electrical schematics, utilize datasheets, and use lab tools to isolate hardware vs. software issues.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement modular, highly reliable embedded C/C++ firmware for resource-constrained microcontrollers, FPGAs, or SoCs.
• Write low-level software to program, calibrate, and dynamically update phase registers across hundreds of Beamforming ICs to achieve microsecond-level electronic beam steering.
• Write and debug low-level peripheral drivers (SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, Ethernet) to interface with transceivers, RF front-ends, and baseband processors.
• Optimize embedded networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, VLAN) to ensure ultra-low latency and maximum data throughput between the satellite network and local user gateways.
• Implement real-time thermal throttling algorithms, power-saving states, and automated fault-protection logic to keep high-power density electronics operating safely in extreme outdoor conditions.
• Develop secure bootloaders, cryptographic verification systems, and highly resilient over-the-air firmware updates.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

RTOS

Firmware development

Real-time systems

Low-level drivers

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Tools

JTAG

Oscilloscope

Logic analyzers

PCIe interface

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.

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and optimize firmware for our next-generation satellite user terminal. In this role, you will build mission-critical software enabling real-time beam steering, transceiver control, and high-throughput data routing.

You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, developing robust bare-metal or RTOS-based firmware to control high-speed communication systems and complex RF hardware.

Core Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Design and implement modular, highly reliable embedded C/C++ firmware for resource-constrained microcontrollers, FPGAs, or SoCs.
• Write low-level software to program, calibrate, and dynamically update phase registers across hundreds of Beamforming ICs (BFICs) to achieve microsecond-level electronic beam steering.
• Write and debug low-level peripheral drivers (SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, Ethernet) to interface with transceivers, RF front-ends, and baseband processors.
• Optimize embedded networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, VLAN) to ensure ultra-low latency and maximum data throughput between the satellite network and local user gateways.
• Implement real-time thermal throttling algorithms, power-saving states, and automated fault-protection logic to keep high-power density electronics operating safely in extreme outdoor conditions.
• Develop secure bootloaders, cryptographic verification systems, and highly resilient over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software development, specifically working on high-speed communications, radar, networking, or aerospace hardware.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C and C++ for embedded systems.
• Deep experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr, VxWorks) and/or Embedded Linux).
• Strong ability to read complex electrical schematics, utilize datasheets, and use lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers) to isolate hardware vs. software issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience writing software to control phased array antennas, digital beamformers, or direct-RF sampling transceivers.
• Experience configuring custom Embedded Linux distributions and cross-compiling toolchains using Yocto Project or Buildroot.
• Familiarity with hardware-based security features, including TPM, TrustZone, hardware acceleration engines, and secure enclave integration.
• Experience setting up automated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments and continuous integration pipelines for firmware verification.
• Experience with satellite communications systems, space-based networks, or telecommunications.
• Experience with IP, networking, and communications protocols including BGP, MPLS, SRv6, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, IPv6, voice, and video.
• Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV).
• Understanding of networking over constrained links and optimization techniques.
• Experience with formal verification methods for safety-critical software.

Base Pay Range for:

• CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55
• WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55
• 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