Avionics Hardware Engineer - TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN • Los Angeles, CA

3d

About The Position

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! This role is part of TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin 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 medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. As an Avionics Hardware Engineer, you will be at the heart of developing and integrating the advanced electrical and avionics systems for our satellite platforms. You will be responsible for the design, development, and integration of critical hardware, including payload control units and translator boards, while also defining the electrical interfaces that tie these complex systems together. This role requires a unique blend of expertise in FPGA development, avionics systems engineering, and hands-on electrical integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in avionics hardware design, FPGA development, or spacecraft electrical systems integration.
• Demonstrated experience with FPGA/ASIC design and verification using VHDL or Verilog.
• Experience in developing and integrating avionics hardware or complex circuit card assemblies.
• Proficiency in electrical design tools such as Altium, Cadence, or equivalent, and simulation tools like SPICE.
• Strong understanding of power distribution systems, high-speed data interfaces (e.g., SpaceWire, Ethernet, SerDes), and digital/analog signal processing.
• Experience with EMI/EMC testing and mitigation techniques in space or aerospace applications.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in a relevant avionics or payload integration role.
• Experience with the complete lifecycle of avionics hardware, from concept and requirements to production and testing.
• Hands-on experience with flight hardware integration and testing.
• Knowledge of radiation effects on electronics and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with high-level synthesis (HLS) for FPGAs.
• Familiarity with spacecraft command and data handling systems and protocols.
• Experience with timing and synchronization protocols (e.g., PTP, GPS timing).
• Background in developing and testing high-reliability electrical systems for space environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the hardware development and integration of the Payload Control Unit, from requirements definition to final implementation.
• Design, develop, and modify FPGA logic for translator boards and payload control systems, ensuring robust performance and functionality.
• Provide avionics systems engineering support, collaborating across teams to ensure cohesive system architecture and performance.
• Define and develop electrical Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for avionics and payload integration, ensuring comprehensive documentation.
• Design and implement power and data interfaces between payloads, avionics, and satellite bus systems, optimizing for reliability and efficiency.
• Lead the development of electrical harnessing designs, including wire routing, connector selection, and harness assembly documentation.
• Establish timing and synchronization architectures to ensure precise coordination between payload systems and satellite subsystems.
• Develop and implement EMC/EMI mitigation strategies and grounding schemes to ensure electromagnetic compatibility across integrated systems.
• Create and maintain power budgets for integrated payloads and avionics, ensuring power requirements are met throughout all mission phases.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and software engineers to ensure comprehensive system integration.
• Support environmental testing (thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC) of electrical systems, including test planning, execution, and data analysis.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level