Senior Payload Software Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date:

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!

We are seeking a Senior Payload Software Engineer to develop network automation software for our revolutionary Tera Wave satellite communications network. This role will be instrumental in leading the creation of software systems that enable our constellation to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in embedded systems, network protocols, and distributed systems, thriving in a fast-paced environment where innovation meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design and development of flight software for satellite payload systems, focusing on network automation and communication protocols
• Architect robust software solutions for Q/V-band RF and optical communication payloads across LEO and MEO satellites
• Design and implement advanced algorithms for autonomous network routing, load balancing, and fault recovery across the constellation
• Oversee development of software interfaces between payload subsystems and the satellite bus
• Lead software development for real-time data processing and transmission at speeds up to 6 Tbps
• Direct the creation of sophisticated simulation environments to validate payload software functionality prior to deployment
• Drive collaboration with hardware engineers to optimize software-hardware integration
• Establish software development standards, architecture patterns, and best practices
• Implement comprehensive software security measures to protect communication integrity across the network
• Lead code reviews, software integration testing, and complex anomaly resolution
• Mentor junior software engineers and provide technical leadership across teams
• Direct on-orbit software updates and maintenance operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in embedded software development
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++, Python, or other languages relevant to embedded and network systems
• Extensive experience with real-time operating systems and embedded software development
• Comprehensive understanding of networking protocols and distributed systems
• Proven expertise in software architecture, development lifecycle, and configuration management
• Demonstrated leadership in software testing methodologies and tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Experience leading software development teams for space or telecommunications systems systems
• Extensive experience with satellite communications systems or payload software
• Advanced knowledge of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV)
• Deep expertise in optical communications protocols and systems
• Proven experience with high-throughput data processing systems
• Background in developing fault-tolerant, radiation-hardened software for mission-critical applications
• Advanced understanding of cybersecurity principles for space systems
• Experience with FPGA programming or hardware acceleration techniques for high-performance computing
• Knowledge of machine learning applications for complex network optimization

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

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