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 Emerging Systems business unit at 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 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership in opto-mechanical design for our TeraWave constellation. In this role, you will focus on developing critical optical systems including telescopes and gimbal assemblies while providing technical guidance on avionics enclosures and optical ground stations.

Special Mentions:

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Lead the architectural design of opto-mechanical systems for space-based optical communications, with emphasis on telescope design and gimbal assemblies
Develop STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance) analysis workflows to predict on-orbit performance
Create detailed error budgets for manufacturing, thermal, structural, alignment, and measurement errors
Lead technical trade studies balancing cost, schedule, performance, and risk
Provide technical guidance to engineering teams on system architecture and integration challenges
Mentor junior engineers in opto-mechanical design principles
Support production transition efforts through knowledge transfer and documentation

Examples of additional areas where you may contribute include:

Optical ground station design
Avionics enclosure packaging optimization
Design for manufacturing improvements
Supplier development for specialized optical components

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
15+ years of experience in opto-mechanical engineering for space or aerospace applications
Demonstrated experience designing, manufacturing, and integrating complex optical and precision mechanical systems
Experience with altitude-over-azimuth gimbal systems and compact telescope designs
Proficiency in CAD software and finite element analysis tools
Knowledge of space qualification testing including vibration and thermal vacuum environments
Experience with optical alignment techniques and metrology
Strong understanding of structural, thermal, and optical performance interactions

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
Experience with optical communications systems for space applications
Knowledge of single-point diamond turning manufacturing techniques
Experience with fast steering mirror systems and precision pointing mechanisms
Background in developing optical ground stations or space terminals
Experience transitioning complex optical systems from development to production
Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles and techniques
Experience with statistical process control and production data analysis

Why Blue Origin:

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Principal Engineer for Opto-Mechanical Systems, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary optical communication technologies for the TeraWave constellation. You'll work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85 WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85

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 (CDL drivers only), 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.
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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.

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Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer - TeraWave