Firmware / Software Engineer - Optical Communications - TeraWave

BLUE ORIGIN • Los Angeles, CA

6d • $164,652 - $230,513

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. We are seeking a Firmware/Software Engineer to design, implement, and validate embedded control software for fiber/laser amplifier modules used in space optical communication links. You'll own lowlevel drivers, control loops, telemetry, and fault management from prototype bringup through qualification and production, partnering closely with photonics, electrical, and test engineers. Special Mentions: This position may require up to 15% travel for integration activities, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates

Requirements

• BS/MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• 5+ years of embedded firmware experience delivering production hardware (MCU/SoC) with C/C++
• Handson development with RTOS or baremetal systems, realtime control loops, and sensor/actuator interfacing
• Proficiency with lowlevel peripherals (ADC/DAC, I2C/SPI/UART, timers/PWM) and board bringup
• Experience authoring requirements, ICDs, and test plans; strong debugging skills with lab instruments (scope, logic analyzer, power supplies)
• Version control (Git) and software quality practices (code reviews, unit testing, static analysis)

Nice To Haves

• Experience controlling laser/optical amplifier subsystems (pump drivers, photodiode feedback, TECs and safety interlocks) and related calibration
• Experience with test automation and data processing; familiarity with PyVISA/SCPI and HIL frameworks
• Interface experience with system buses used in aerospace
• Reliabilityfocused design: bootloader failsafe/secure update, telemetry/health monitoring
• Awareness of space environment considerations (radiation effects, derating), EMI/EMC mitigation in firmware, and environmental testing (TVAC, vibe)

Responsibilities

• Define and implement embedded control for optical amplifiers: pump diode current/temperature control, TEC/heater loops (PID), interlocks, power sequencing, and calibration
• Develop robust device drivers and interfaces for ADC/DAC, GPIO, timers, I2C/SPI/UART, and system level buses (e.g., CAN, RS422/485, SpaceWire/Ethernet as applicable)
• Architect RTOS or baremetal applications, state machines, and fault detection/isolation/recovery (FDIR); implement safe states, and data logging
• Bring up new hardware: bootloaders, board diagnostics, production test firmware, and hardwareintheloop (HIL) setups
• Automate test and data analysis for lab characterization, regression, and manufacturing test
• Ensure software quality: requirements and ICDs, code reviews, unit/integration testing, static analysis, and CI workflows
• Support environmental and qualification testing (TVAC, vibration, shock) and correlate results to improve robustness
• Collaborate on EMI/EMCaware firmware behaviors (timing, filtering, grounding strategies) and radiationtolerant practices (EDAC/ECC, resets, retry logic)

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