Senior Photonics Systems 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!

As a Senior Photonics System Architect, you will own the end-to-end modem photonics architecture for a state-of-the-art space laser communication terminal. You will define and integrate the full optical chain—including seed and LO lasers, modulators, optical amplifiers, filters, polarization control, and receivers—to deliver high-reliability, high-throughput optical links for a growing range of customer missions. Your technical leadership will set the standard for capability, manufacturability, and on-orbit performance.

• Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
• Travel expectations:
  Occasional travel may be required for technical reviews and supplier visits.

• Define requirements, own optical link budgets and conduct architecture trade studies for space laser communication modem photonics.
• Architect and select narrow-linewidth lasers, electro‑optic modulators and bias control, optical amplifiers, optical filters/WDM, polarization management, isolators, and coherent/Direct‑Detect receiver front‑ends.
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and radiation margins; define interfaces to DSP/modem electronics, drivers/TIAs, power, and thermal/mechanical teams.
• Lead make/buy decisions and guide supplier selection, qualification, and performance management for critical photonic components.
• Establish redundancy and reliability strategies appropriate for spaceflight.

• Lead breadboard and brass board development to de‑risk architecture choices and mature to flight design.
• Define and execute verification and validation plans, including optical performance (OSNR, linewidth, RIN, extinction ratio, EVM/BER), stability, and latency.
• Analyze test data to characterize impairments (e.g., phase noise, SBS/thermal effects) and drive corrective actions.
• Validate system performance through environmental test (TVAC, vibration, shock, and radiation considerations) and ensure compliance to requirements.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of requirements, designs, ICDs, procedures, and results; contribute to FMEAs and design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams (DSP/software, RF/electronics, optics, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to achieve design‑for‑manufacture and design‑for‑test.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems such as lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware, with at least 3 years in lead/architect roles.
• Demonstrated experience with photonics systems involving fiber‑based electrooptic modulators and optical receivers.
• In‑depth knowledge of lasers and photonics (e.g., narrow‑linewidth lasers, photodiodes, nonlinear optics, fiber components/assembly, and laser system fabrication).
• Experience developing functional specifications, verification plans, and functional test procedures for optical communication systems.
• Proficiency in system characterization, environmental testing, and data analysis for photonic subsystems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to broad audiences and collaborate across disciplines to drive decisions.
• MS degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience.

• 10+ years of experience in lasers/optics/electronics/aerospace hardware with 5+ years in lead architect roles.
• Expertise in high data‑rate optical communications, including advanced modulation, DSP interfaces, and coherent reception techniques.
• Direct experience deploying systems in spaceflight environments and qualifying photonic hardware for launch and on‑orbit operation.
• Hands‑on experience with test frameworks and…