Principal Software Engineer: Intra-Satellite Networking & Platforms - TeraWave

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!

As a Principal Software Engineer for Tera Wave, you will serve as the technical cornerstone for the "nervous system" of Blue Origin's next-generation global satellite constellation, designed to provide high-bandwidth, ultra-low-latency connectivity across the globe.

You will own the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software across multiple product nodes and hardware platforms.

This high-visibility role bridges the gap between hardware and software, requiring you to define technical strategies that align with ASIC, FPGA, and Systems Architecture teams to deliver a high-capacity, low-latency space-based network operating within the unique constraints of high-velocity orbital dynamics, rapidly changing topologies, and extreme speed-of-light limitations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Define the technical roadmap for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software stacks

Lead the design and implementation of kernel-level networking subsystems, network switch/ASIC programming, and Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL)
Drive architectural decisions through Design Review Boards, ensuring alignment with ground systems, manufacturing, and systems architecture

Define test strategies and develop foundation software for pre-integration and hardware bring-up phases

Troubleshoot low-level software and platform-specific Board Support Packages (BSPs) to diagnose root causes of system malfunctions or performance deviations

Solve complex issues in FPGA stability and system design to ensure a reliable global software-defined network

Deliver high-throughput, scalable end-to-end data plane networking solutions to internal and external customers

Develop real-time networking solutions for resource-constrained edge and embedded environments

Ensure hardware configurations meet specific end-user use cases across client platforms

Scale the engineering organization by recruiting and hiring top-tier engineering talent

Mentor senior engineers and guide teams through rigorous code and design reviews

Collaborate with internal teams across Intra-sat Networking, Platform Software, Radio Software, and Integration & Test Partner with MAC Software, FPGA, Hardware/ASIC, Systems Architecture, and Manufacturing teams to drive cross-functional alignment

Represent technical programs and initiatives to Design Review Boards and Principal Engineering leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline
15+ years of professional software development experience

Expert-level development proficiency in C, C++, or Python

Preferred Qualifications:

Deep expertise in UDP, TCP/IP, and Layer 2 protocols including RSTP, Link Aggregation, and QCNAdvanced knowledge of Quality of Service (QoS) in high-performance networked systems

Experience with network switch and ASIC programming

Experience with Linux kernel-level networking and Board Support Packages (BSPs)
Proven track record in hardware/software co-design working alongside FPGA and ASIC teams

Hands-on experience with ARM or x86 processors in embedded, real-time environments

Deep understanding of testing, CI/CD pipelines, and continuous monitoring in dynamic production environments

Experience identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in distributed systems

Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across Software, Hardware, and Systems Architecture organizations

Exceptional analytical skills and a creative approach to solving ambiguous technical constraints

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $ - $WA applicants is $ - $Other site ranges may differ

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