Software Engineer, Ground Systems – Blue Ring

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin, based in Seattle, is advancing deep space communications by building end-to-end ground systems and DTN-enabled data delivery for Mars missions. You will design and implement software interfaces and APIs connecting Mars users to Earth services, with emphasis on reliability over long light-time delays.

Join a team that values safety, collaboration, and inclusion, and contribute to the architectures that enable future civil space exploration.

Qualifications

• Experience with production code in Python, Java, C++ or similar.
• Experience developing and maintaining external-facing APIs.
• Experience with cloud platforms and DevSecOps.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience with space mission ground systems or related domain.
• Familiarity with CCSDS, DTN, Bundle Protocol.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, including DTN and external APIs.
• Build and evolve ground system software interfaces linking Mars relay users and Earth services.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to translate requirements into robust designs.
• Develop automated tests and perform integration testing across deep-space delays.
• Implement ground system interfaces per CCSDS/DTN standards.
• Engage with NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams on software design.
• Document software architecture and procedures; support deployment to operations.
• Mentor peers on scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Skills

Python/Java/C++

External APIs development

Cloud platforms

DevSecOps practices

Agile methodologies

Space ground systems familiarity

CCSDS/DTN protocols

Strong communication

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Application Close Date Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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

Blue Origin is helping extend humanity's reach across the solar system through the development of deep space communications infrastructure designed to strengthen the communications backbone at Mars and support NASA's long-term civil exploration and science objectives. This infrastructure will serve 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 Interfaces (APIs) that deliver 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.
• 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 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.

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 For

VA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80 CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05 WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

Other Site Ranges May Differ

Culture Statement

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