Principal Optical Communications Architect

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 role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit.

As a Principal Optical Communications Architect within Blue Origin's National Security Business Unit, you will serve as a senior individual contributor and technical authority within the Advanced Concepts organization, shaping the future of space‑based optical communications. You will bring deep expertise in free‑space optical (FSO) communications—from end‑to‑end system architecture down to the terminal subsystem level—and apply that expertise to define, develop, and advocate for next‑generation lasercomm capabilities across civil, commercial, and national security domains.

This is a high‑impact, high‑visibility role that sits at the intersection of advanced technology development and strategic mission planning. You will work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives, conduct rigorous analysis of alternatives, and de‑risk key technologies through simulation, trade studies, and prototyping. You will influence the direction of Blue Origin's optical communications portfolio and help position the company as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.

• Relocation assistance is available for this position.
• This role requires up to 25% travel
  .
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
  . An active clearance is strongly preferred.

• Serve as the principal technical authority for space‑based optical communications (lasercomm) architecture within the Blue National Security Business Unit.
• Lead the architectural design and development of free‑space optical (FSO) communications systems, conducting comprehensive analysis of alternatives to determine optimal design choices and system configurations.
• Perform detailed trade studies, simulations, and prototyping efforts to verify design approaches and de‑risk key technology items across the full system lifecycle—from formulation and development through AI&T and on‑orbit operations.
• Define and develop end‑to‑end optical communications system architectures, including space‑to‑space (OISL), space‑to‑ground, and ground‑to‑space link configurations across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.
• Develop deep, subsystem‑level expertise in optical communications terminal (OCT) design, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, optical telescopes, laser sources, and high‑rate modems.
• Define spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field‑of‑regard analysis, thermal management, structural integration, power, and EMI/EMC interface requirements.
• Establish and maintain link budgets, error analyses, and end‑to‑end performance models to validate system designs and support mission planning.
• Evaluate civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures to inform Blue Origin's strategic positioning and technology roadmap.
• Work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives, and support related strategy development, including go‑to‑market planning for optical communications systems.
• Identify and mitigate "make or break" technical risks through rigorous analysis and validation of flight‑like hardware, and evaluate manufacturability and producibility of novel components such as low‑cost telescopes and lasercomm terminals.
• Collaborate with program managers, systems engineers, and business development teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling proposals and customer…