Senior Optics Technician - TeraWave

Overview

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.

As the lead Senior Optics Technician at Blue Origin, you will be on the front line of building our optical communication payloads. This role executes the hands-on assembly, bonding, and alignment of our precision optical systems in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom. Your expertise and feedback will be critical to refining our manufacturing processes and achieving production goals for our advanced space systems.

Special Mentions:

• Travel expectations:
  Up to 20% travel may be required for training or specialized testing

Responsibilities

Cleanroom Assembly & Process Execution

• Perform clean assembly of telescope mirrors, relay optics, polarization components, and detector modules, following travelers and work instructions
• Execute precision bonding and shimming operations using defined processes and tooling
• Apply and verify black coatings and manage bakeout processes to meet contamination control requirements
• Maintain impeccable ISO-class cleanliness, ESD/FOD discipline, and process documentation

Alignment & Test Support

• Set up and support optical alignment workflows using interferometers and autocollimators under engineering guidance
• Provide real-time feedback to engineering on fixture usability, process ergonomics, and opportunities to improve cycle time and yield (key DFA input)

Process Improvement & Training

• Collaborate with the engineering team to refine work instructions and tooling based on build experience
• Mentor and train additional operators as the production line scales

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in the assembly of precision optical or microelectronic systems in a cleanroom environment
• Proficiency with optical bonding, shimming, and handling of delicate coated optics
• Experience working from detailed work instructions and supporting engineering-led assembly
• Strong documentation skills and commitment to quality, safety, and cleanliness protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space-flight hardware and contamination control protocols
• Familiarity with fiber optic handling, splicing, and termination
• Direct experience supporting optical alignment with interferometers or autocollimators
• Previous role in a production ramp or AS9100 manufacturing environment

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 Optics Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in building the optical systems that enable our advanced space communications capabilities, directly contributing to our mission 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…