Principal Optical Transport Network Engineer - 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 are developing 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. The 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.

We are seeking a Senior Optical Transport Network Engineer. You will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through on-orbit activities. This role encompasses the comprehensive development of the product line, from initial prototyping to production, ensuring technical rigor and operational success. Your leadership will set the standard for new capabilities and a growing range of Blue Origin capabilities.

• Relocation assistance may be available for this position

• Travel expectations:
  Up to 15% travel may be required for supplier visits, technical reviews, and field testing

• Network Architecture & Development:
  Develop proof of concept optical networks for data transfer solutions.

• Lead in the development of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems for in-space applications.

• Define transport architecture, requirements, and performance budgets.

• Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing.

• Work with network architects and designers to help define system data transfer concepts.

Technical Implementation & Testing

• Support the design, test, and characterization of prototype systems.

• Support the test and characterization of COTS optical transceivers.

• Work with interdisciplinary teams to deploy DWDM systems in terrestrial and spaceflight environments.

• Collaborate with mechanical and thermal engineering staff to qualify hardware for spaceflight.

• Contribute to Design for Manufacturability.

• Interface with Supply Chain to identify suppliers for specialty components and support cost optimization.

• Conduct analysis and trade studies.

• Author ICDs, Con Ops, and commissioning plans.

• Participate in system design reviews, and lead subsystem and subassembly design reviews.

• Communicate technical updates to cross-functional teams.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).

• A minimum of 7 years of experience focused on Optical Transport Network (OTN) engineering and/or network engineering.

• Experience deploying Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) equipment for fiber optic communications systems.

• Experience in the configuration of 100G to 400G+ QSFP, CFP2-DCO transceivers, OSFP or similar.

• Experience in the configuration of muxponder equipment.

• Knowledge of OpenZR+, OpenROADM, and IEEE 802.3 standards.

• Extensive knowledge of ethernet networking technology.

• Experience in automation using Python, Ansible, or similar tools.

• Experience with Ethernet traffic generation and analysis tools such as IxNetwork, Xena Valkyrie, or similar.

• Prior experience with SNMP and Network Management Tools.

• Strong understanding of optical physics and transmission principles.

• Knowledge of optical performance metrics (OSNR, dispersion, latency).

• Ability to interpret optical specifications and design requirements.

• Experience with fiber characterization and testing equipment.

• Knowledge of advanced packet switching technologies such as MPLS.

• Knowledge of routing technologies such as OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP.

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or related field.

• 10+ years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).

• Experience deploying hardware for spaceflight applications with environmental testing campaigns.

• Experience in the aerospace industry deploying spaceflight hardware.

• Knowledge of SRv6 and related routing concepts.

• Experience in leading or supporting technical teams through multiple successful product deliveries.

• Experience with Linux operating…