Senior Software Engineer, Ground Systems

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 182,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a seasoned software engineer to design, develop, and operate end-to-end ground architectures connecting Mars users to Earth services. You will shape DTN, data routing, and external APIs for payload data delivery, ensuring reliable performance across long light-time delays.

You will collaborate with NASA and partners, mentor peers, and advance CCSDS/DTN standards in civil deep space missions, while contributing to a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/SE/EE or related field.
• 8+ years of software development with production code in Python, Java, C++.
• Experience developing external-facing APIs for data delivery.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) and DevSecOps.
• Familiarity with Agile development.
• Experience with space mission ground systems or related domain.
• Familiarity with CCSDS, DTN, Bundle Protocol.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a dynamic environment.
• U.S. citizen or eligible status.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the user services layer, including DTN and APIs for payload data delivery.
• 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 robust software designs.
• Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance across deep space delays.
• Implement ground system interfaces conforming to CCSDS/DTN standards for civil deep space missions.
• Engage with NASA and mission partners on software design and integration.
• Document software architecture and procedures; support deployment to operations.
• Mentor peers on scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

External APIs

AWS/Azure

DevSecOps

Agile

Space systems

CCSDS/DTN

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

DOORS Next Generation

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.

Blue Origin is helping extend humanity’s reach across the solar system by developing NASA’s Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) – a relay communications infrastructure designed to provide reliable, high‑availability data services between Mars‑based users and Earth in support of NASA's civil exploration and science objectives. MTN delivers relay‑as‑a‑service to orbiters, landers, rovers, and future crewed assets, bridging the deep space link through an integrated end‑to‑end ground system.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will play a meaningful role in the design, development, integration, and operation of the end‑to‑end ground architecture that connects Mars users to Earth‑based services. This includes significant definition and development of user and payload facing software and system interfaces. This role will help architect Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), customer data routing, and the external Application Programming Interface (APIs) that delivers data to users. You will help architect and mature the systems that make deep space communications dependable across significant light‑time delays and long‑duration operations. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to quality to positively impact one of the most ambitious civil space missions of our time. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, 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 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 architecture, interfaces, and operational procedures; support deployment and handoff to operations teams.
• Mentor peers on software engineering best practices including scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Minimum 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 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 communications protocols used in space applications (e.g., CCSDS, DTN, Bundle Protocol).
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience developing software for NASA civil space programs or integrating with U.S. Government agency missions (e.g., NASA, JPL).
• Hands‑on implementation experience with DTN and delay/disruption‑tolerant architectures.
• Experience with Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS) or comparable relay planning systems.
• Experience with spacecraft subsystem software or onboard flight software.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS Next Generation (DNG).

Base Pay Range

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

At Blue, we’re building the future as their unique selves.

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

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

• 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.

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 workforce. 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 employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here. Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Aff…

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.