Sr. Ground Systems Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 156,802 - 219,522; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin in Reston, VA is seeking an experienced Senior Ground Systems Engineer to advance the TeraWave ground segment. You will design, integrate, and maintain secure ground systems that support space missions and ensure cross-domain data integrity.

The role demands deep expertise in network security, system integration, and the full software development lifecycle, with strong leadership and collaboration across multi-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in space mission ground systems with focus on security policies and requirements.
• Experience crafting secure communication systems across multiple security domains.
• Strong knowledge of security protocols, encryption, and data integrity.
• Experience in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.
• Experience with DOORS Next Generation for requirements management.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground systems for TeraWave initiatives.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to capture requirements, define systems architecture, and develop detailed design specifications.
• Develop software solutions enabling secure data transfer across security domains.
• Conduct system-level testing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Support the full software development lifecycle: requirements, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance.
• Share expertise and mentorship on ground systems engineering practices including security and scalability.
• Ensure deployments meet regulatory and security compliance requirements.
• Document configurations and train operational teams as needed.

Skills

Secure communications

Ground systems engineering

Network security

System integration

DOORS Next Generation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

DOORS Next Generation

Python

C++

AWS/Azure

Job description

Overview

Application close date: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Blue Origin envisions millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The company develops reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join a 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.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will play a meaningful role in the design, development, integration, and maintenance of ground-based systems that support space missions and advance ground capabilities. This includes understanding related capabilities such as cross domain solutions, cyber security architectural principles, and the needed software development standards, ensuring secure and efficient communications between various security domains.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact TeraWave. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground systems advancing capabilities to support TeraWave initiatives.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to capture requirements, define systems architecture, and develop detailed system design specifications.
• Develop software solutions that facilitate secure data transfer between various security domains, ensuring compliance with relevant security policies and standards.
• Conduct system-level testing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization to ensure robust and reliable operation of ground systems.
• Support the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance.
• Share technical expertise and mentorship on ground systems engineering standard methodologies, including security, scalability, and maintainability.
• Ensure that all ground systems deployments meet or exceed regulatory and security compliance requirements.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and processes; provide training and support to operational teams as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in space mission ground systems, with a focus on network protocol security policies, standards and requirements.
• Expertise in crafting and implementing secure communication systems that operate across multiple security domains.
• Strong understanding of security protocols, encryption, and data integrity principles.
• Proven experience in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.
• Expertise in requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation (DNG).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master\'s degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or scientific field.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar.
• Expertise in Agile, DevSecOps, AWS or Azure.
• Experience with spacecraft subsystems and associated subsystem software.
• Experience with communications protocols for space applications (e.g. CCSDS, DDS, etc.).
• Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work optimally in a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a wide audience.

Compensation

Base Pay Range for WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45. Other site ranges may differ.

Culture

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 role requires entrance to a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a GVW or greater etc. may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification, Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements, and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match 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 workforce. We hire and promote people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws. For more information, please consider the equity rights guidelines in our policies.

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 [e-mail]. Do not include personal medical information in your request.