Laser Communications Systems Engineer III

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!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today : space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

We are seeking a Laser Communications Systems Engineer (Level 3) to have overall payload systems engineering ownership and play a crucial role in system-level testing, integration, and on-orbit operations of the payload.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Maintain ownership of internal and external interfaces and technical budgets, including mass, power, and other critical parameters.

Support requirements management and flow down in a fast-pace and iterative design environment.

Manage design trade-offs across the system to support objectives for Design for Excellence in performance, cost, and manufacturability.

Support verification and validation activities from planning through execution to confirm system functionality, performance, and requirements compliance.

Support on-orbit operations to ensure payload effectiveness and mission success.

Required Qualifications :

Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems engineering roles supporting complex systems involving optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware.

Experience with Electro-Optical payload development.

Systems Engineering experience encompassing requirements development and management, interface control, and ownership of technical budgets, such as mass and power.

Proficiency in payload-level verification and validation methodologies.

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications :

8 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware), with at least 5 years in lead engineer roles.

Hands-on experience supporting payload integration, test, and operations, preferably with spacecraft systems.

Background in optical communications (lasercom) systems.

Experience managing link budgets, pointing error budgets, and optical loss budgets.

Direct experience leading payload test campaigns for Electro-Optical systems.

Current Top Secret or TS / SCI Security clearance, or eligibility to obtain a Top Secret or TS / SCI Security clearance.

Master's of PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Compensation Range for :

CA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85;CO applicants is $116,323.00-$162,851.85;WA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85

Other site ranges may differ

Culture 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 an 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.

Background Check

Required for all positions : Blue's Standard Background Check

Required for Certain Job Profiles : Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

Required for Certain Job Profiles : Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and / or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including : Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation / shipping training.

Required for certain Job Profiles : Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

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.

Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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 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. 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, sex, 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 "Know Your Rights," 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 EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

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