Electro-Optical Engineer - Optical Payload I&T - TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN • Los Angeles, CA

6d

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. At Blue Origin, we are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration and Test team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining optical laboratory infrastructure, performing integration and testing of optical communication terminals, conducting precise subsystem testing of PAT actuators and sensors, executing factory acceptance tests, and performing verification and validation activities to ensure system performance meets requirements. The ideal candidate combines hands-on optical laboratory experience with strong integration skills to support the transition of our cutting-edge optical communication systems from development to production.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field
• 5+ years of experience in optical system integration and testing
• Demonstrated track record of successful optical alignment techniques and equipment usage
• Proven experience with optical communication systems and components
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of diode lasers, optical fiber amplifiers, optical fibers, thin-film coatings, polarization and radiation detectors technologies.
• Strong proficiency with test equipment such as power meters, wavefront sensors, and interferometers
• Advanced understanding of opto-mechanical interfaces and tolerancing
• Experience leading laboratory test automation efforts using software like LabVIEW or Python
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• History of technical problem-solving in electro-optical integration challenges
• Experience mentoring junior engineers in laboratory techniques and procedures
• Strong documentation and technical writing skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Optical Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of experience in aerospace or defense optical systems integration
• Experience with free-space optical communications systems
• Knowledge of PAT systems for optical communications
• Experience with environmental testing of optical systems
• Demonstrated expertise in space qualification requirements for optical payloads
• Experience with optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax, Code V)
• Knowledge of laser safety protocols and regulations
• Experience with clean room operations and procedures
• Six Sigma or similar quality control certification
• Experience with configuration management and version control systems
• History of successful technical leadership on complex integration projects

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain optical lab infrastructure for Optical Communication Terminal development
• Perform Unit, Integration, and System level testing and characterization of optical payload and PAT (Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking) system
• Establish procedures to integrate optical and mechanical subassemblies
• Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) protocols
• Conduct Verification and Validation testing to ensure system performance meets requirements
• Document test results and prepare technical reports
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for optical, mechanical, and electrical issues during integration
• Support the transition from development to production phases
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration challenges
• Maintain calibration and operational status of optical test equipment

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.

What This Job Offers

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