Principal Optical Communications Architect

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 Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all-in-one, high-powered hybrid solar-electric and chemical-propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower-profile costs.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to make that future a reality by creating reliable, cost-effective, and safe space transportation and infrastructure. Joining our team means being part of a bold mission that demands ingenuity, courage, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what's possible.

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,…