Senior Manager - Optical Payload Systems

As a Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for the design, development, integration, and production of advanced optical communication payloads for the Tera Wave constellation. You will influence the team's contribution to the broader optical payload strategy while ensuring technical excellence, schedule adherence, and cost efficiency. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise in spacecraft systems, complex payloads, and high-reliability electronics, combined with strong leadership and program management skills.
** Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
** Drive the technical direction for optical payload systems, ensuring alignment with program requirements, performance targets, and schedule milestones. Apply technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact the Tera Wave mission.
*
* Minimum Qualifications:

** 7+ years of experience in spacecraft systems, electro-optical systems, or advanced electronics hardware design.
5+ years of experience managing engineering teams or as main focal for specific projects.

Experience with product lifecycle management systems (e.g., Windchill). Demonstrated project planning and management skills.

Experience with configuration management and product lifecycle management. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across systems, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test disciplines.

Excellent communication and leadership skills.
*
* Preferred Qualifications:

** Experience with optical communications systems, electro-optical payloads, or related technologies.

Experience with spacecraft mechanical systems and high-reliability electronics hardware design. Knowledge of manufacturing execution systems for space hardware production.

Experience with environmental testing and qualification of space hardware.

Experience with computer-aided design tools such as PTC Creo.

Experience with supplier selection and management for critical space hardware components.  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 Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary communication technologies that will expand humanity's presence in space.

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.
* 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 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.

Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there.

At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully…