Technical Program Manager, Optical Payload Software – 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!

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 in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

Blue Origin's Tera Wave program is developing cutting‑edge free‑space optical communication terminals to enable high‑bandwidth connectivity for enterprise and government customers. We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead the software development effort for optical payload and ground terminals, from initial concept through delivery. This role requires a unique combination of software program management expertise and sufficient technical depth in optical and photonic systems to drive effective cross‑functional execution.

• Own end-to-end planning, scheduling, and execution for optical payload software development, initially focused on flight software and expanding to manufacturing test software as the program matures
• Define and maintain integrated master schedules (IMS), identifying the critical path and managing dependencies across software, hardware, and systems teams
• Track program milestones, deliverables, risks, and issues, driving resolution with urgency
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and forecasting across the software development effort
• Lead program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) and executive‑level status reporting

• Serve as the technical integrator across software, optical, mechanical, and electrical disciplines
• Drive architecture trades, design decisions, and requirements decomposition for payload software
• Identify technical risks early and lead mitigation planning
• Translate complex engineering challenges into actionable program decisions
• Partner with systems engineering to ensure terminal performance requirements and manufacturing test software requirements are met

• Align stakeholders across software engineering, systems engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, test, and operations
• Coordinate with hardware teams and systems‑level teams to ensure software integration compatibility
• Communicate program status clearly to leadership and customers

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, optical engineering, physics, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in software or hardware development programs
• 3+ years in a TPM, program management, or systems engineering leadership role
• Demonstrated experience managing complex software development programs through the full lifecycle, from concept through production
• Working knowledge of optical systems (free-space optics, fiber optics, photonics, or similar) and their manufacturing test requirements
• Proficiency with scheduling tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Experience with laser communication terminals, lidar, or electro‑optical systems
• Background in space, aerospace, or defense software and hardware development
• PMP certification…