Optical Communications Payload Lead (Level 3)

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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on development, manufacturing, and operation of satellite systems to address one of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today : space mobility.

As part of a hardworking team of diverse engineers, you will be responsible for leading the engineering efforts of the Optical Module subsystem of an advanced lasercom optical communications terminal.

The Optical Module consists of a telescope, gimbal, and optical bench assembly. This role requires an individual who can navigate technical complexities and guide a multi-disciplinary team through the development and large-scale production of cutting-edge free-space optical communication technologies.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 20% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Lead the development of an Optical Module subsystem, aligning with the overall system performance, integration, and project objectives.
• Manage the payload internal and external interfaces to ensure compatibility with host spacecraft and effective system performance in space.
• Collaborate with Production, Assembly, Integration, and Test teams.
• Define and manage technical requirements and overall Optical Module design.
• Conduct and supervise flight qualification approach.
• Play a critical role in Design for Manufacturability.
• Guide the design, development, assembly, performance verification, and fielding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in short-wave infrared optical systems engineering for space applications.
• Demonstrated understanding of electro-optical-mechanical payloads designed for space environments and space vehicle interfaces.
• Experience with the full lifecycle of aerospace optical systems, from development to flight qualification.
• Experience developing or managing integrated performance of optical systems including understanding of optical loss and throughput budgets, wavefront error, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and precision pointing in space environments
• Experience with establishing manufacturing and alignment tolerances for opto-mechanical systems
• Developing subsystem- and component-level specifications, interfaces, and statements of work
• 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 or Ph.D. degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Expertise in satellite laser communication system development optical payload development.
• Solid understanding of free-space laser communications and optical beam-pointing control.
• Proven leadership of technical projects involving innovative space-based optical systems.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with government and commercial partners.
• Current Top Secret or TS / SCI Security clearance preferred.

Compensation range for on site CO applicants is $102,383-$143,335

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $111,690-$156,366

Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $111,690-$156,366

Other site ranges may differ

Inclusivity Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification.

At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.

S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Benefits

Benefits include : Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

Paid Time Off : Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Discretionary bonus : Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force.

Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members.

We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin / ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military / veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and / or local law.

Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.

For more information on EEO Is the Law, please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and / or interview process, please contact us at .

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.