Satellite Flight Software Developer III

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!  

Special Mentions:

This position is part of Blue Origin's TeraWave business unit, a newly announced satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. TeraWave consists of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, and implement flight software for Blue Origin’s TeraWave satellite constellation of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO)
• Develop algorithms for autonomous thermal regulation to maintain optimal operating temperatures across varying orbital conditions and high-throughput data transmission scenarios
• Architect and implement power management software solutions to optimize energy distribution, battery charging cycles, and solar array utilization and longevity of TeraWave satellite power systems
• Develop propulsion control software for satellite station-keeping, orbital adjustments, and collision avoidance maneuvers
• Create and maintain software interfaces between thermal, power, and propulsion subsystems to ensure integrated operation
• Design fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) software for critical satellite subsystems
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to define software requirements and interfaces for thermal, power, and propulsion systems
• Develop simulation environments and models to test software performance in various operational scenarios
• Lead software design reviews and support systems engineering trade studies
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on flight software development
• Participate in verification and validation testing of flight software
• Support on-orbit operations and troubleshooting of deployed satellites

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 7+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software development
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python
• Experience with real-time embedded systems and RTOS
• Demonstrated experience in developing software for spacecraft thermal, power, or propulsion subsystems
• Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols and interfaces
• Experience with software development lifecycle processes in a regulated environment
• Familiarity with software verification and validation techniques for space systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in relevant field
• Experience with satellite constellation management
• Knowledge of optical communications systems
• Experience with model-based systems engineering tools
• Familiarity with NASA cFS, COSMOS, or similar flight software frameworks
• Knowledge of Q/V-band RF communications
• Experience with software-defined radios
• Understanding of space radiation effects on electronics and mitigation techniques
• Experience with AI/ML applications in spacecraft autonomy

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we're not just building the future of space exploration—we're revolutionizing global connectivity through our TeraWave satellite network. As a Satellite Flight Software Developer III, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and performance of our constellation of 5,408 satellites designed to deliver unmatched speeds up to 6 Tbps with symmetrical upload and download capabilities. Join us in our mission to provide enterprise-grade connectivity to locations unreachable by traditional methods, enabling critical operations for enterprise, data center, and government customers worldwide.

Join our team and be part of building a space-based network designed for tomorrow, where your expertise will directly contribute to creating a system that provides connectivity anywhere on Earth.

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.

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