Senior Network Reliability Engineer

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 198,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Parental leave

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Ground Network Engineer to design, build, and operate the resilient network infrastructure for the Quartz program. You will join a team responsible for the global network of ground stations, ensuring reliable communications between Earth and space.

Responsibilities include architecture, configuration, security, and observability, with emphasis on scalable automation, documentation, and collaboration across teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience architecting and deploying scalable network infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, and routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/IS-IS).
• Experience coding in Python or similar languages; exposure to Go/Rust/C++ is a plus.
• Ability to design, document, and harden networks with strong emphasis on security and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design and document end-to-end network topology for multiple sites and a NOC.
• Define WAN/LAN architecture, primary/backup circuits, switching, and routing.
• Configure and manage routers, switches, firewalls, and out-of-band devices.
• Develop IP addressing plans and VLAN configurations.
• Establish and maintain network security with firewalls and VPNs.
• Conduct vulnerability scans and remediation activities.
• Implement and manage network monitoring and observability platforms.
• Coordinate with service providers for circuit installation and troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain network diagrams, configurations, and as-built docs.
• Develop and automate network health reporting and trend analysis.
• Lead Quartz cyber security compliance activities.

Skills

Network design

TCP/IP routing

BGP/OSPF/IS-IS

Automation (Python)

C++

Network security

SRE principles

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in CS/CE or related field

Equivalent experience

Tools

Juniper devices

Palo Alto Networks

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!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

Description:

The role is part of the Blue National Security unit and supports Blue Origin's Quartz program.

Quartz is building out a global network of Blue Origin owned and operated ground infrastructure. Quartz will be used by Blue Origin businesses and external customers providing reliable, flexible, and cost-effective communications services between Earth and space.

The Quartz team is looking for experienced personnel to join their team.We're a group of problem-solvers with diverse skillsets, building and operating the ground stations that serve as the critical link connecting space to Earth. Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment,you'll contribute innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and demands your dedicated commitment to safe, reliable spaceflight.

As a Ground Network Engineer, you will be at the forefront of designing, building, and maintaining the highly available and resilient network infrastructure that connects our global network of ground stations. You will join a dedicated team of engineers who are critical to the success of our spaceflight missions. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise in networking, a passion for automation, and a commitment to applying Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) principles to create a scalable, robust, and secure network environment. Your contributions will directly impact our ability to communicate with our fleet of launch vehicles and spacecraft, enabling our vision of millions of people living and working in space.

Responsibilities:

• Design and document the end-to-end network topology for multiple sites and a Network Operations Center (NOC).
• Define and implement WAN/LAN architecture, including primary and backup circuits, switching, and routing.
• Configure and manage network hardware, including routers, switches, firewalls, and out-of-band management devices.
• Develop and implement IP addressing plans and VLAN configurations.
• Establish and maintain network security architecture, including firewalls, VPN tunnels, and access control lists.
• Conduct system hardening, vulnerability scanning, and remediation of findings.
• Implement and manage network monitoring and observability platforms to ensure network health and performance.
• Coordinate with service providers for circuit installation and troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and as-built documentation.
• Develop and automate network health reporting and trend analysis.
• Lead Quartz cyber security compliance activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. or higher degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience architecting, developing and deploying scalable and maintainable network infrastructure.
• Experience in network architecting, device installation, configuration, and monitoring.
• Experience developing and managing network device configurations in multi-vendor environments.
• Deep understanding of protocols including but not limited to (TCP/IP, IPv4/IPv6, MPLS), routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), and network services (DHCP, DNS, NTP).
• Experience coding in higher-level languages (e.g. Python, Go, Rust, C++, etc).
• Highly organized team player with excellent technical written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record of resourcefulness from their previous assignments.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Juniper networking platforms (JNCIS-ENT, JNCIS-DevOps, JNCIP, or higher certifications a plus).
• Experience with Palo Alto Networks security platforms
• Working knowledge of NIST SP 800-series guidance, including SP 800-57, and FIPS 140-2/140-3 requirements

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55VA 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 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.

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 work force. 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