Senior Optical Systems Design Engineer - Optical Network Ground Terminals - TeraWave
Listed on 2026-05-29
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Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Electronics Engineer
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.
We are seeking a Lead Optical Systems Architect to join our Optical Ground Terminal team. You will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through operational activities. This role encompasses the comprehensive development of the product line, frominitialprototyping to production, ensuring technical rigor and operational success. Your leadership will set the standard for new capabilities and a growing range of customer missions.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Optical System Architecture & Design
Lead the architectural design and technical direction for ground optical communications systems incorporating:
Large telescope and gimbal assemblies, including telescopearrays
High-power and low-noise optical fiber amplifiers
Pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems
Adaptive optics systems
Conduct trade studies between different optical architectures andconfigurations
Lead optical system modeling, analysis, and performance simulation including tolerance and stray lightanalysis
Collaborate with team membersregardingthe end-to-end characterization, modeling, and mitigation of atmospheric turbulence for high-bandwidth laser communication systems, from system architecture and algorithm development to integration and fieldtesting
Technical Leadership & Integration
Contribute to technology roadmap planning and provide technical oversight for subsystem development and integration
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and thermal engineers on interdisciplinary designchallenges
Develop system requirements, specifications, performance budgets, error budgets, and interface control documents that balance performance, cost, and schedule
Develop Con Ops , calibration/alignment procedures and commissioningplans
Play a meaningful role in design for assembly andmanufacturability
Collaborate to develop automation strategies for optical system alignment, calibration, and operational procedures
Minimum Qualifications:
MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
10 or more years of experience in optical systems engineering
Experience with free‑space optical communication ground systems
Proficiency with optical design tools such as Zemax or Code V
Experience with large‑aperture telescope systems and pointing requirements
Knowledge of free‑space to single‑mode fiber coupling and mode‑matching techniques
Experience with adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, and wavefront correction
Understanding of atmospheric absorption, scattering, and turbulence impacts on optical links
Experience developing or managing integrated optical system performance
Experience collaborating across mechanical, electrical, software, and thermal disciplines
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience taking laser communication systems from lab to field
Experience with space‑to‑ground optical communication links
Experience with STOP analysis and precision pointing systems
Experience with optical metrology and testing of complex systems
Experience with infrared sensors or cameras for tracking
Experience with mechanical CAD tools such as Solid Works or CREO
Experience with optical amplifier technologies such as EDFA, EYDFA, or Raman
Why Blue Origin:
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by…
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