Senior Manager - TeraWave Optical Engineering

Senior Manager Of Optical Engineering

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!

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 optically interconnected satellites to provide enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

As Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will lead a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers responsible for designing the telescope and optical assemblies at the heart of the Tera Wave OISL payload. The team you lead will own the optical design from concept through first build and ensure a smooth transition to high-volume production. This role demands technical expertise in precision optical systems combined with the leadership skills to drive a focused, high-performing team.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead and manage a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers through the full design lifecycle, from concept through EVT and DVT
• Own the technical direction for telescope assemblies and optical light path design for the Tera Wave OISL payload
• Drive detailed opto-mechanical design and STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance) analysis processes to meet performance requirements across the mission environment
• Lead the NPI process, ensuring designs are well-documented, producible at high volume, and ready for a successful handoff to the production team
• Manage personnel including hiring, workload planning, performance reviews, and career development
• Partner with systems, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure alignment across the program
• Support sustaining engineering by providing design documentation and lessons learned to the production team
• Identify and manage technical risks, drive design trades, and make clear recommendations to program leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in optical system design, with hands-on expertise in telescope or beam director architectures
• 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or serving as a technical lead on optical hardware programs
• Experience with opto-mechanical design and STOP analysis for space or high-reliability environments
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
• Experience with 10cm-class telescope design for space or airborne platforms
• Background in lasercom, OISL, or free-space optical communication systems
• Experience with NPI processes and design-for-manufacturability in a high-volume optical manufacturing environment
• Experience carrying optical hardware through environmental qualification (thermal-vac, vibration, shock)

Why Blue Origin:
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will play a crucial role in developing the precision optical technologies that make Tera Wave's revolutionary space-based communications network possible.

You'll work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $ - $

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

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