Lead Optical Systems Engineer

Lead Optical Systems Engineer – Blue Origin

Blue Origin is building a future where millions of people live and work in space. As a Lead Optical Systems Engineer, you will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through operational activities, ensuring technical rigor and operational success.

CA applicants: $ – $; CO applicants: $ – $; WA applicants: $ – $

• Lead the architectural design and technical direction for ground optical communication systems incorporating telescope and gimbal assemblies, high‑power and low‑noise optical fiber amplifiers, pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems, adaptive optics systems, and automation software.
• Responsible for end‑to‑end characterization, modeling, and mitigation of atmospheric turbulence for high‑bandwidth laser communication systems.
• Develop system requirements, specifications, and interface control documents that balance performance, cost, and schedule.
• Conduct system modeling, analysis, and performance simulation.
• Drive trade studies between different optical architectures and configurations.
• Provide technical oversight for subsystem development and integration.
• Troubleshoot complex optical performance issues across subsystems.
• Develop concepts of operations, calibration/alignment procedures, and commissioning plans.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and thermal engineers on interdisciplinary design challenges.
• Define software requirements for control and performance monitoring of optical subsystems.
• Lead safety and regulatory compliance activities (laser safety, outdoor operations), and coordinate airspace/operations approvals with relevant authorities.

• MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in optical systems engineering with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated expertise in free‑space optical communication (preferred) or LiDAR systems.
• Proficiency with optical system design tools (Zemax, Code V, etc.).
• Experience with large‑aperture telescope systems and pointing requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of mode‑matching techniques and optimization of free‑space to/from single‑mode fiber coupling efficiency.
• Experience with adaptive optics systems, wavefront sensing, and correction techniques.
• Experience with focal plane arrays and camera systems.
• Familiarity with fiber optic coupling challenges and solutions.
• Previous experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams.

• PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in optical systems engineering with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Previous work with space‑to‑ground and ground‑to‑space optical communications satellite links.
• Proven track record as a lead engineer on similar programs.
• Experience with atmospheric optical turbulence theory and compensation.
• Expertise in atmospheric optics and hands‑on experience implementing adaptive optics control systems.
• Experience taking a complete laser communication system from lab to field, including link performance analysis and hardware validation.
• Background in optical amplifier technologies (EDFA, EYDFA, Raman, etc.).
• Strong background in coherent optical communications principles.
• Experience with optical metrology and testing of complex systems.
• Familiarity with PAT standards and algorithms for satellite optical communications.
• Program management experience for large optical system development.

We welcome candidates who may not meet every desired requirement. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with all qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

• Required for all positions:
  Blue’s Standard Background Check.
• Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check for positions requiring presence on a military installation.
• Additional requirements for certain job profiles (e.g., CDL drivers, hazardous materials transport).
• Ability to obtain and…