Avionics Hardware Engineer - TeraWave

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, 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.

As an Avionics Hardware Engineer, you will be at the heart of developing and integrating the advanced electrical and avionics systems for our satellite platforms. You willbe responsible forthe design, development, and integration of critical hardware, including payload control units and translator boards, while also defining the electrical interfaces that tie these complex systems together. This role requires a unique blend ofexpertisein FPGA development, avionics systems engineering, and hands-on electrical integration.

Special Mentions:

• Relocationassistanceis available for qualified candidates.

• Travel expectations: Up to 25% travel may berequiredfor integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the hardware development and integration of the Payload Control Unit, from requirements definition to final implementation.

• Design, develop, andmodifyFPGA logic for translator boards and payload control systems, ensuring robust performance and functionality.

• Provide avionics systems engineering support, collaborating across teams to ensure cohesive system architecture and performance.

• Define and develop electrical Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for avionics and payload integration, ensuring comprehensive documentation.

• Design and implement power and data interfaces between payloads, avionics, and satellite bus systems,optimizingfor reliability and efficiency.

• Lead the development of electrical harnessing designs, including wire routing, connectorselection, and harness assembly documentation.

• Establish timing and synchronization architectures to ensure precise coordination between payload systems and satellite subsystems.

• Develop and implement EMC/EMI mitigation strategies and grounding schemes to ensure electromagnetic compatibility across integrated systems.

• Create andmaintainpower budgets for integrated payloads and avionics, ensuring power requirements are met throughout all mission phases.

• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and software engineers to ensure comprehensive system integration.

• Support environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) of electrical systems, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 5+ years of experience in avionics hardware design, FPGA development, or spacecraft electrical systems integration.

• Demonstrated experience with FPGA/ASIC design and verification using VHDL or Verilog.

• Experience in developing and integrating avionics hardware or complex circuit card assemblies.

• Proficiencyin electrical design tools such as Altium, Cadence, or equivalent, and simulation tools like SPICE.

• Strong understanding of power distribution systems, high-speed data interfaces (e.g.,SpaceWire, Ethernet, SerDes), and digital/analog signal processing.

• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and mitigation techniques in space or aerospace applications.

• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

• 7+ years of experience in a relevant avionics or payload integration role.

• Experience with the complete lifecycle of avionics hardware, from concept and requirements to production and testing.

• Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and testing.

• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics and mitigation techniques.

• Experience with high-level synthesis (HLS) for FPGAs.

• Familiarity with spacecraft command and data handling systems and protocols.

• Experience with timing and synchronization protocols (e.g., PTP, GPS timing).

• Background in developing and testing high-reliability electrical systems for space environments.

Why Blue Origin:

AtBlue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, 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 an Avionics Hardware Engineer, you will play a crucial role in developing the technologies that will expand humanity's presence in space.You'llwork with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andutilization.

Join us in our mission to build a road to space so our children can build the future.