Senior Embedded Systems Engineer - Space & RF

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

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.