Senior Space-to-Ground Communications Engineer

Socket.dev; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Communication Operations Engineer focused on Ground Operations for the Blue Ring program. You will own integration and ongoing operations of the communications interfaces between ground systems and on‑orbit assets, developing robust processes and ensuring reliable space‑to‑ground communications.

This role requires deep technical expertise, cross‑functional collaboration, and hands‑on execution of mission communication plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in on‑orbit spacecraft mission operations or ground operations.
• Experience with scheduling, integrating, and/or operating remote ground terminals for satellite operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to disseminate technical information clearly.
• Must be a U.S. citizen/national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as refugee or asylum.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational integration of commercial, government, and civil antenna networks into the Blue Ring ground system.
• Document ground operations procedures, flight rules, and CONOPS for reliable comms.
• Develop and execute communication plans for Blue Ring missions, including contact scheduling and data link budgeting.
• Define technical requirements for the ground software to support automated ground communications.
• Support pre‑flight validation and testing for end‑to‑end comms from spacecraft to ground network.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Mission operations experience

Education

Bachelors in engineering

Tools

Deep Space Network (DSN)

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Communication Operations Engineer focused on Ground Operations for the Blue Ring program. You will own integration and ongoing operations of the communications interfaces between ground systems and on‑orbit assets, developing robust processes and ensuring reliable space‑to‑ground communications.

This role requires deep technical expertise, cross‑functional collaboration, and hands‑on execution of mission communication plans.