Firmware​/Software Engineer - Optical Communications - 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, serving enterprise, data center, and government users with reliable connectivity for critical operations.

The Emerging Systems business unit is pioneering the future of space‑based communications with Tera Wave, a multi-orbit constellation of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites, providing enterprise-grade connectivity worldwide.

The role:

Firmware/Software Engineer to design, implement, and validate embedded control software for fiber/laser amplifier modules used in space optical communication links. You will own low‑level drivers, control loops, telemetry, and fault management from prototype bring‑up through qualification and production, partnering with photonics, electrical, and test engineers.

Special Mentions: up to 15% travel for integration activities and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

• Define and implement embedded control for optical amplifiers: pump diode current/temperature control, TEC/heater loops (PID), interlocks, power sequencing, and calibration
• Develop robust device drivers and interfaces for ADC/DAC, GPIO, timers, I2C/SPI/UART, and system‑level buses (e.g., CAN, RS 422/485, Space Wire/Ethernet as applicable)
• Architect RTOS or bare‑metal applications, state machines, and fault detection/isolation/recovery (FDIR); implement safe states, and data logging
• Bring up new hardware: bootloaders, board diagnostics, production test firmware, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) setups
• Automate test and data analysis for lab characterization, regression, and manufacturing test
• Ensure software quality: requirements and ICDs, code reviews, unit/integration testing, static analysis, and CI workflows
• Support environmental and qualification testing (TVAC, vibration, shock) and correlate results to improve robustness
• Collaborate on EMI/EMC aware firmware behaviors (timing, filtering, grounding strategies) and radiation tolerant practices (EDAC/ECC, resets, retry logic)

• BS/MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 5+ years of embedded firmware experience delivering production hardware (MCU/SoC) with C/C++
• Hands-on development with RTOS or bare‑metal systems, real-time control loops, and sensor/actuator interfacing
• Proficiency with low‑level peripherals (ADC/DAC, I2C/SPI/UART, timers/PWM) and board bring‑up
• Experience authoring requirements, ICDs, and test plans; strong debugging skills with lab instruments (scope, logic analyzer, power supplies)
• Version control (Git) and software quality practices (code reviews, unit testing, static analysis)

• Experience controlling laser/optical amplifier subsystems (pump drivers, photodiode feedback, TECs and safety interlocks) and related calibration
• Experience with test automation and data processing; familiarity with PyVISA/SCPI and HIL frameworks
• Interface experience with system buses used in aerospace
• Reliability‑focused design: boot loader safe/secure update, telemetry/health monitoring
• Aware of space environment considerations (radiation effects, derating), EMI/EMC mitigation in firmware, and environmental testing (TVAC, vibe)

At Blue Origin, you will be part of a historic mission to make space accessible to millions. Our In‑Space Systems team is developing cutting‑edge optical communications technology that will revolutionize how we transfer data in space. You will work with world‑class engineers in a collaborative environment where innovation is celebrated and your contributions directly impact mission success. We offer…