Senior Software Engineer, Ground Systems

Jobtailor; Colorado; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced software engineer to design, develop, and maintain user-services-layer software for Mars relay data delivery. You will work on ground-system interfaces, APIs, and integration with NASA and mission partners.

The role requires strong coding skills (Python/Java/C++), experience with cloud platforms, and familiarity with CCSDS/DTN standards. A Master's degree is preferred, and candidates should be US citizens or eligible for clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ 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 AWS or Azure and DevSecOps practices.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience with space mission ground systems or related domain.
• Familiarity with CCSDS, DTN, and Bundle Protocol.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain user-services-layer software, including DTN implementation and data routing.
• Build and evolve ground-system software interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth services.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into software designs.
• Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance for long-delay links.
• Implement ground-system interfaces conforming to CCSDS and DTN Bundle Protocol standards.
• Engage NASA and mission teams on software interface design and integration.
• Document software architecture, interfaces, and operational procedures.
• Support deployment and handoff to operations teams.
• Mentor peers on software engineering best practices, scalability, reliability.

Skills

Python/Java/C++

API development

AWS/Azure

Agile

CCSDS/DTN

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE/EE or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

DOORS Next Generation (DNG)

Job description

• Design, develop, and maintain user-services-layer software, including DTN implementation, customer data routing, and external APIs for payload data delivery
• Build and evolve ground-system software interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth-based services
• Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into software designs and implementations
• Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance for reliable operation across deep-space light-time delays
• Implement ground-system interfaces conforming to CCSDS and DTN Bundle Protocol standards
• Engage NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams on software interface design and integration
• Document software architecture, interfaces, and operational procedures
• Support deployment and handoff to operations teams
• Mentor peers on software engineering best practices, scalability, reliability, and maintainability

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ 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 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 CCSDS, DTN, and Bundle Protocol
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive professional relationships, and contribute to an inclusive culture
• 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
• Passion for Blue Origin's mission and vision
• Blue’s Standard Background Check required
• Preferred: Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field
• Preferred: Experience with NASA civil space programs or U.S. Government agency missions
• Preferred: Hands-on DTN and delay/disruption-tolerant architecture implementation
• Preferred: Experience with Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS) or comparable relay planning systems
• Preferred: Experience with spacecraft subsystem or onboard flight software
• Preferred: Experience with DOORS Next Generation (DNG)

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in software development for space mission ground systems, with a strong focus on user-services-layer software, external APIs, and compliance with CCSDS and DTN standards. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor peers in software engineering best practices.