Electro-Optical Engineer - Optical Payload I&T - 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'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!

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.

At Blue Origin, we are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration and Test team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining optical laboratory infrastructure, performing integration and testing of optical communication terminals, conducting precise subsystem testing of PAT actuators and sensors, executing factory acceptance tests, and performing verification and validation activities to ensure system performance meets requirements.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on optical laboratory experience with strong integration skills to support the transition of our cutting-edge optical communication systems from development to production.

• Relocation assistance may be available for this position
• Travel expectations:
  Up to 50% travel may be required to support testing and integration activities at various Blue Origin facilities

• Design, build, and maintain optical lab infrastructure for Optical Communication Terminal development
• Perform Unit, Integration, and System level testing and characterization of optical payload and PAT (Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking) system
• Establish procedures to integrate optical and mechanical subassemblies
• Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) protocols
• Conduct Verification and Validation testing to ensure system performance meets requirements
• Document test results and prepare technical reports
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for optical, mechanical, and electrical issues during integration
• Support the transition from development to production phases
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration challenges
• Maintain calibration and operational status of optical test equipment

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field
• 5+ years of experience in optical system integration and testing
• Demonstrated track record of successful optical alignment techniques and equipment usage
• Proven experience with optical communication systems and components
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of diode lasers, optical fiber amplifiers, optical fibers, thin-film coatings, polarization and radiation detectors technologies.
• Strong proficiency with test equipment such as power meters, wavefront sensors, and interferometers
• Advanced understanding of opto-mechanical interfaces and tolerancing
• Experience leading laboratory test automation efforts using software like LabVIEW or Python
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• History of technical problem-solving in electro-optical integration challenges
• Experience mentoring junior engineers in laboratory techniques and procedures
• Strong documentation and technical writing skills
• A capability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Master's degree in Optical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace or defense optical systems integration
• Experience with free-space optical communications systems
• Knowledge of PAT systems for optical communications
• Experience with environmental testing of optical systems
• Demonstrated expertise in space qualification requirements…