Sr. Engineer - Optical Test Development - TeraWave
BLUE ORIGIN, Seattle, WA, United States
Application Close Date
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
Overview
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 Emerging Systems business unit 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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to lead optical test development for the TeraWave constellation. In this role, you will develop and implement advanced test methodologies for optical systems, including structured light testing, wavefront analysis, and metrology techniques to ensure the performance and reliability of space-based optical communications hardware.
Special Mentions
Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
Travel expectations: Up to 15% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive test strategies and methodologies for optical communications systems
Design and implement optical test setups for performance validation and qualification
Create automated test systems and procedures for high-volume production
Analyze test data and provide technical recommendations for system improvements
Establish optical metrology standards and procedures for the TeraWave program
Areas of Leadership
Wavefront sensing and analysis techniques
Optical alignment verification methods
Environmental testing of optical systems
Supplier qualification for optical test equipment
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
10+ years of experience in optical test development or related fields
Demonstrated expertise in optical metrology and test system design
Experience with structured light testing, interferometry, or wavefront analysis
Strong background in automation of optical test procedures
Experience with optical design and simulation tools
Knowledge of environmental testing for space applications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with optical communications systems or free-space optics
Background in diffractive optics or meta-surface testing
Knowledge of laser safety protocols and procedures
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for test automation
Background in statistical process control for optical manufacturing
Experience with supplier qualification and management
Knowledge of space qualification testing requirements
Experience with optical alignment techniques and verification
Why Blue Origin
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, 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 a Principal Engineer for Optical Test Development, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of revolutionary optical communication technologies for the TeraWave constellation.
You’ll work with world‑class teams on challenging problems, have access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.
Compensation
Compensation Range for CA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 WA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25. Other site ranges may differ.
Benefits
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 workforce. 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.
California Applicant Privacy Notice
If you are a California resident, please reference the CA applicant privacy notice here.
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. 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.
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Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
Overview
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 Emerging Systems business unit 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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to lead optical test development for the TeraWave constellation. In this role, you will develop and implement advanced test methodologies for optical systems, including structured light testing, wavefront analysis, and metrology techniques to ensure the performance and reliability of space-based optical communications hardware.
Special Mentions
Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
Travel expectations: Up to 15% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive test strategies and methodologies for optical communications systems
Design and implement optical test setups for performance validation and qualification
Create automated test systems and procedures for high-volume production
Analyze test data and provide technical recommendations for system improvements
Establish optical metrology standards and procedures for the TeraWave program
Areas of Leadership
Wavefront sensing and analysis techniques
Optical alignment verification methods
Environmental testing of optical systems
Supplier qualification for optical test equipment
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
10+ years of experience in optical test development or related fields
Demonstrated expertise in optical metrology and test system design
Experience with structured light testing, interferometry, or wavefront analysis
Strong background in automation of optical test procedures
Experience with optical design and simulation tools
Knowledge of environmental testing for space applications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with optical communications systems or free-space optics
Background in diffractive optics or meta-surface testing
Knowledge of laser safety protocols and procedures
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for test automation
Background in statistical process control for optical manufacturing
Experience with supplier qualification and management
Knowledge of space qualification testing requirements
Experience with optical alignment techniques and verification
Why Blue Origin
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, 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 a Principal Engineer for Optical Test Development, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of revolutionary optical communication technologies for the TeraWave constellation.
You’ll work with world‑class teams on challenging problems, have access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization.
Compensation
Compensation Range for CA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 WA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25. Other site ranges may differ.
Benefits
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 workforce. 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.
California Applicant Privacy Notice
If you are a California resident, please reference the CA applicant privacy notice here.
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. 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.
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