Software Systems Architect - TeraWave

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 Software Systems Architect to provide technical leadership for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network. This role will be instrumental in developing the software architecture for our constellation designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally. The ideal candidate brings expertise in distributed systems, network software, and satellite communications, thriving in a fast-paced environment where innovation meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain the software architecture for TeraWave's multi-orbit constellation of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites
• Define software requirements and interfaces between space and ground segments
• Create architectural frameworks for network management, routing, and data processing systems
• Lead technical trade studies to optimize software performance, reliability, and security
• Develop verification and validation strategies for complex distributed satellite software systems
• Collaborate with payload, hardware, and operations teams to ensure software architectural alignment
• Identify and mitigate software technical risks across the TeraWave program
• Establish software development standards, patterns, and best practices
• Support technical reviews and ensure compliance with software requirements
• Develop software models and simulations to validate system performance and capabilities
• Design fault-tolerant software systems for mission-critical space applications
• Architect software solutions for optical and RF communications management

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, with 10+ years of software development or architecture experience
• Demonstrated experience in distributed systems architecture or communications software
• Experience in the development of satellite communications software or network management systems
• Experience designing and analyzing complex software systems with multiple interdependent components
• Strong understanding of networking protocols and distributed computing principles
• Proficiency with software architecture modeling tools and methodologies
• Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with development in mission and safety-critical environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Experience with satellite software systems or space-based communications
• Knowledge of software-defined networking and network function virtualization
• Experience with high-throughput data processing systems and algorithms
• Background in real-time operating systems and embedded software
• Experience with cloud-native architectures and microservices
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles for space and communications systems
• Experience with formal methods or model-based software engineering

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.

• 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.