Senior Laser Communication Terminal Payload Lead - In-Space Systems

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 Laser Communication Terminal Payload Lead. As the single-threaded leader, you will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through on-orbit activities. This role encompasses the comprehensive development of the product line, from initial prototyping to production, ensuring technical rigor and operational success. Your leadership will set the standard for new capabilities and a growing range of customer missions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of a laser communication terminal payload.
• Drive initiatives for design for manufacturability, cost, and related Design for Excellence considerations to enhance product development efficiency.
• Engage the specialty engineering team, interpreting and adjudicating technical budgets, test results, and resolving technical issues.
• Coordinate system integration and testing efforts to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and address technical challenges.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems such as optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware with at least 3 years in lead engineer roles.
• Experience with laser communication payloads is required, involving at least one major program lifecycle phase, such as design, build, or testing.
• Proven cradle-to-grave expertise in an Electro-Optical payload system, not limited to laser communication systems.
• Background in manufacturing and production processes.
• Demonstrated capability in leading DFx (Design for Excellence) initiatives, including design for manufacturing and cost.
• Experience overseeing technical teams, with skills in interpreting and managing technical budgets, understanding multi-disciplinary analysis or test results, and resolving technical issues.
• Effective communication skills for collaboration with government and commercial partners.
• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15 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.
• Experience in on-orbit payload operations.
• Solid understanding of free-space laser communications and optical beam-pointing control.
• Current Top Secret or TS/SCI Security clearance.
• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Compensation Range for:

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.

• 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 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

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