SOFTWARE ENGINEER – TeraWave – RF and Optical Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education support program

Stock options

Parental leave

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Developer to design and implement multi‑threaded embedded software in C/C++ for Linux/RTOS/Bare‑metal platforms on space hardware.

Work with cross‑functional teams to integrate software with hardware, develop RF/transceiver drivers, and mentor junior engineers while applying CI/CD, TDD, and Agile practices in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of embedded software development in C/C++ on Linux/RTOS/Bare‑metal platforms.
• Strong proficiency in C++ object‑oriented design and implementation.
• Hands‑on expertise in embedded systems debugging using SW and HW tools (JTAG, SWD, CoreSight, Lauterbach/Trace32, J‑Link, J‑Trace etc.)
• Experience with peripheral interfaces such as SPI, I3C, I2C, PCIe, CAN.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and Test‑Driven Development
• Experience leading software development teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Experience with Agile or Scaled Agile development methodologies
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card) or eligible for asylum/refugee status

Responsibilities

• Design and develop multi‑threaded embedded software in C/C++ for Linux/RTOS/Bare‑metal platforms.
• Implement custom device drivers and management/control/data plane functions for Satellite RF transceivers and related systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate software with hardware.
• Contribute to technical documentation, code reviews, and design discussions.
• Troubleshoot problems and debug using telemetry, logs/traces, instrumentation, and hardware/software tools.
• Champion embedded software development, testing and troubleshooting best practices including CI/CD and TDD.
• Deliver with speed and quality and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Embedded systems debugging

Linux/RTOS

Multithreading

CI/CD

Agile

Leadership

Communication

US citizenship/eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering/CS/EE

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

JTAG tooling

Trace32

J-Link

CoreSight

Lauterbach

Trace debugging

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! Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space‑based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi‑orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise‑grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

Special Mentions

This role will be onsite in one of these locations – Greater Seattle Area, WA and Bay Area, CA. It is approved for temporary remote work exception while our local site is developed Relocation assistance available Travel may be required up to 10% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop multi‑threaded embedded software in C/C++ to run on Linux/RTOS/Bare‑metal platforms, hosted on multi‑core SoCs
• Implement custom device drivers and management/control/data plane functions for Satellite RF transceivers, Antenna systems and Optical systems on TeraWave’s Satellite Payload, Customer terminals and Ground Gateway Terminals
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate software with hardware systems.
• Contribute to technical documentation, code reviews, and design discussions
• Troubleshoot problems and debug issues using telemetry, logs/traces, code instrumentation, and software and hardware debugging tools.
• Champion embedded software development, testing and troubleshooting best practices – including CI/CD, test and data analysis automation, TDD.
• Deliver with speed and quality, and mentor junior software engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development in C/C++ to run on Linux/RTOS/Bare‑metal platforms.
• Strong proficiency in C++ object‑oriented design and implementation.
• Hands‑on expertise in embedded systems debugging using SW and HW tools (JTAG, SWD, CoreSight, Lauterbach/Trace32, J‑Link, J‑Trace etc.)
• Experience with developing applications that use standard peripherals – SPI, I3C, I2C, PCIe, CAN etc.
• Experience with with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and Test‑Driven Development
• Experience leading software development teams and mentoring junior engineers
• Experience with Agile or Scaled Agile development methodologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• 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 or PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in embedded software development for mission‑critical systems
• Experience with Linux networking and inter‑core/processor communications between applications that use high‑speed data‑plane interfaces – Ethernet, Interlaken, JESD etc.
• Experience in developing embedded software in or more of these areas - satellite communications systems, space‑based networks, cellular wireless, terrestrial telecommunications systems.
• Experience with developing drivers for proprietary and merchant silicon.
• Experience with formal verification methods for safety‑critical software
• Knowledge of radiation‑hardened computing environments and related software considerations

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to building the road to get there. As a Senior Embedded Software Developer on our In Space Systems team, you'll be at the forefront of developing next‑generation space networking capabilities that will enable unprecedented connectivity and mobility in space. You'll work with world‑class engineers and scientists who are passionate about solving complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Join us in our mission to build a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. We invite you to be part of this extraordinary journey as we develop the technologies that will connect humanity across the stars.

Base Pay Range for:

• CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80
• WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80
• 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

• 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 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmative action plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. 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.