Sr. Communication Operations Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Education Support Program

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Reston, VA, is seeking a Senior Communication Operations Engineer focused on Ground Operations for Blue Ring spacecraft. You will be the technical authority for communications interfaces between ground systems and on-orbit assets, guiding planning and integration of diverse ground networks into operations.

The role requires deep technical expertise and the ability to document critical ground operations processes, ensuring robust, reliable space-to-ground communications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in on-orbit spacecraft mission operations or ground operations.
• Experience with scheduling, integrating, and/or operating remote ground terminals for satellite operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines.
• Experience with developing and managing ground segment requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to disseminate critical technical information effectively and clearly.
• Demonstrated technical leadership ability.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational integration of commercial, government, and civil antenna networks, including the Deep Space Network, into the Blue Ring ground system, ensuring compatibility and readiness.
• Establish and document the ground operations procedures, flight rules, and CONOPS required for reliable space-to-ground communications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans for Blue Ring missions, including contact scheduling, data link budgeting, and network resource allocation.
• Define technical requirements for the ground software alongside mission systems teams to support robust, automated ground communication operations.
• Support and build the execution of pre-flight validation and testing for the end-to-end communication system, from the spacecraft to the ground network and maintain capabilities throughout mission life.
• Serve as a senior technical contributor during real-time mission operations, responsible for the health and performance of the ground communications system.
• Perform deep-dive analysis of communication system telemetry to troubleshoot anomalies, assess performance, and drive system improvements throughout on-orbit operations.
• Collaborate with mission management to translate customer needs into actionable communication service plans and operational concepts.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical leadership

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline

Master’s degree (preferred)

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. 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! This role is part of the Blue National Security (BNS) Business Unit, which is focused on delivering resilient, mission-critical space capabilities, including Blue Ring, to support national defense and objectives. With Blue Ring, our customers are empowered to achieve operational advantage across cislunar and Earth orbit domains, redefine mission flexibility, and pursue bold new concepts that were once beyond reach.

As a Senior Communication Operations Engineer focused on Ground Operations supporting Blue Ring spacecraft, you will be the technical authority Responsible for integration and ongoing operations of the communications interfaces between ground systems and on-orbit assets. You will own the hands-on work of communications planning and the technical integration of diverse ground networks into operations. This role requires a deep technical expert who can develop, document, and validate the critical ground operations processes that will ensure robust and reliable communication is maintained with on-orbit assets. Join us in enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth — passion for our mission is required!

Special Mentions This role requires occasional periods of shift work and on-call availability during mission-critical phases, anomaly resolution, and key customer milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational integration of commercial, government, and civil antenna networks, including the Deep Space Network, into the Blue Ring ground system, ensuring compatibility and readiness.
• Establish and document the ground operations procedures, flight rules, and CONOPS required for reliable space-to-ground communications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans for Blue Ring missions, including contact scheduling, data link budgeting, and network resource allocation.
• Define technical requirements for the ground software alongside mission systems teams to support robust, automated ground communication operations.
• Support and build the execution of pre-flight validation and testing for the end-to-end communication system, from the spacecraft to the ground network and maintain capabilities throughout mission life.
• Serve as a senior technical contributor during real-time mission operations, responsible for the health and performance of the ground communications system.
• Perform deep-dive analysis of communication system telemetry to troubleshoot anomalies, assess performance, and drive system improvements throughout on-orbit operations.
• Collaborate with mission management to translate customer needs into actionable communication service plans and operational concepts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in on-orbit spacecraft mission operations or ground operations.
• Experience with scheduling, integrating, and/or operating remote ground terminals for satellite operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines.
• Experience with developing and managing ground segment requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to disseminate critical technical information effectively and clearly.
• Demonstrated technical leadership ability.
• 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 a technical field.
• Active or eligible for Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
• Deep technical knowledge in Space-to-Ground Communication Systems (RF, Ground Stations, Modems, Antenna Systems).
• Experience with NASA ground operations and scheduling resources, including the Deep Space Network (DSN).
• Familiarity with NASA standards and operations protocols.
• Demonstrated experience building and commissioning mission-critical ground systems, processes, or operational teams from the ground up.
• Technical knowledge in spacecraft systems engineering (avionics, propulsion, attitude control, life support systems, thermal and power control systems).
• Proficiency in coding or scripting languages.
• Experience with government or defense space programs and associated customer relationship management.

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range for: VA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45 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 (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

Benefits include: 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.

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.