Optical Integration & Metrology Lead - TeraWave

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!

This role is part of Tera Wave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with Tera Wave, 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.

The Optical Integration & Metrology Lead will serve as the technical authority for the alignment, metrology, and as‑built modeling of an optical payload. This role is responsible for developing production‑grade alignment workflows that are robust, repeatable, and capable of meeting manufacturing requirements. You will own the metrology processes that guarantee our systems meet stringent Line of Sight (LOS) and Wavefront Error (WFE) performance requirements.

• Travel expectations:
  Travel may be required for supplier visits, technical reviews, and production site coordination.

• Author and execute alignment procedures for the telescope, relay optics, and fiber I/O, with a focus on Design for Assembly (DFA) to minimize process steps.
• Define align‑to tolerances and verification steps with clear pass/fail criteria for production operators.
• Lead hands‑on optical alignment in a cleanroom using interferometry, autocollimators, and other precision metrology equipment.

• Establish metrology datums and fiducials and develop measurement uncertainty budgets.
• Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gage R&R (GR&R) campaigns to qualify production metrology instruments, ensuring measurement reliability.
• Implement Statistical Process Control (SPC) for critical alignment parameters to monitor process capability and drive continuous improvement.

• Build and maintain optical as‑built models, correlating metrology data to optical performance to refine production tolerances.
• Support pre/post‑environment optical re‑verification after vibration/shock/thermal‑vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Drive root‑cause analysis for alignment yield issues and partner with engineering to implement robust solutions.

• BS/MS in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics.
• 5+ years in optical alignment and metrology for precision or space optics.
• Hands‑on proficiency with interferometry, autocollimators, and other optical metrology tools.
• Strong understanding of GR&R, MSA, SPC, and measurement uncertainty analysis.

• Proficiency with Zemax Optic Studio or Code V for tolerance and as‑built analysis.
• Experience with automated alignment systems, fiber coupling, and polarization metrology.
• Prior experience scaling an optical alignment process from prototype to production.

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 an Optical Integration & Metrology Lead, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring our optical systems meet the exacting standards required for space operations, directly contributing to our mission of building a road to space for the benefit of Earth.

We are…