Senior Ground Software Engineer – Space Communications

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 151,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin envisions millions living and working in space, developing reusable, safe, low-cost vehicles within a culture of safety and inclusion. This role is part of Blue National Security, focusing on launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions, and the MTN project delivering relay services between Mars and Earth.

As part of a team of engineers, you will contribute to the end-to-end ground architecture that connects Mars users to Earth services, develop DTN and APIs for data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of software development experience, with production code in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience developing and maintaining external-facing APIs for data delivery.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) and DevSecOps practices.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience with space mission ground systems, spacecraft operations, or a related domain.
• Familiarity with antenna communications providers such as ATLAS, SSC, DTN.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a wide audience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the user services layer software, including DTN implementation, customer data routing, and external APIs for data delivery.
• Build and evolve ground system interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth-based services.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into robust software designs and implementations.
• Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance to ensure reliable operation across deep space light-time delays.
• Implement ground system interfaces conforming to applicable standards (e.g., CCSDS, DTN Bundle Protocol) for civil deep space missions.
• Engage with external stakeholders including NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams on software interface design and integration.
• Document software design, implementation, interfaces, and operational procedures; support deployment and handoff to operations teams.

Skills

Python/Java/C++

External APIs

Cloud (AWS/Azure)

Agile Methods

Space ground systems

DTN/ CCSDS

Technical communication

DevSecOps

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/SE/EE)

Tools

DOORS Next Generation

Job description

Blue Origin envisions millions living and working in space, developing reusable, safe, low-cost vehicles within a culture of safety and inclusion. This role is part of Blue National Security, focusing on launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions, and the MTN project delivering relay services between Mars and Earth.

As part of a team of engineers, you will contribute to the end-to-end ground architecture that connects Mars users to Earth services, develop DTN and APIs for data