Senior Electronics System Architect - TeraWave

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 medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. 

As a Senior Electronics System Architect at Blue Origin, you will define and develop comprehensive electronics architectures for our space systems and ground support equipment. You will be responsible for establishing robust electrical interfaces, power distribution systems, and fault management strategies that ensure mission success in the challenging environment of space. 

Special Mentions:

• Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for technical reviews, supplier visits, and travel to other Blue Origin sites. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Architecture Development & System Integration 

• Define comprehensive electronics system architectures for Blue Origin's space systems, launch vehicles, and ground support equipment 

• Establish electrical interfaces between subsystems, ensuring proper integration and compatibility across complex hardware platforms 

• Design power distribution architectures and timing systems that meet mission requirements while optimizing for reliability, efficiency, and performance 

• Develop robust fault management strategies, including fault detection, isolation, and recovery mechanisms for mission-critical electronics systems 

Technical Leadership & Documentation 

• Create detailed architecture documentation including block diagrams, interface control documents, and system specifications 

• Collaborate with other system architects (mechanical, software, propulsion, etc.) to ensure cohesive and integrated system designs 

• Lead technical reviews and design validation activities to ensure electronics architectures meet mission requirements 

• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to electronics design teams 

Technology Selection & Optimization 

• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, components, and design approaches based on mission needs, reliability requirements, and environmental constraints 

• Perform trade studies to optimize electronics system designs for performance, reliability, mass, power, and cost 

• Develop verification and validation strategies for electronics architectures 

• Work with suppliers and partners to ensure external components and systems integrate properly with the overall electronics architecture 

• Support anomaly investigations and provide architectural solutions to resolve complex technical issues 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field 

• 10+ years of experience in electronics system design and architecture for complex systems 

• Demonstrated experience defining electronics architectures for mission-critical or safety-critical systems 

• Strong knowledge of power distribution systems, including DC-DC conversion, power sequencing, and protection circuits 

• Experience with timing and synchronization systems for distributed electronics 

• Expertise in fault-tolerant design principles and fault management strategies 

• Proficiency in creating clear and comprehensive technical documentation 

• Experience with requirements analysis and flow-down to subsystem specifications 

• Strong understanding of electronics design processes, from concept through production 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related field 

• Experience with electronics architecture for aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability applications 

• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics and mitigation strategies 

• Experience with FPGA and embedded processor architectures 

• Familiarity with spacecraft avionics systems and standards 

• Experience with model-based systems engineering tools and methodologies 

• Knowledge of EMI/EMC design principles and compliance requirements 

• Experience with safety-critical systems and associated certification processes 

• Background in thermal management for electronics in extreme environments 

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems 

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 developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As a Senior Electronics System Architect, you'll play a crucial role in designing the electronic systems that power our spacecraft and enable our missions, directly contributing to our goal of building a road to space for the benefit of Earth. 

We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.