Ground Software Engineer III - Blue Ring

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

This role is part of Blue National Security and supports Blue Ring and NASA’s Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), an integrated relay communications service connecting Mars-based users and assets with Earth-based services. The engineer will contribute to the design, development, integration, and operation of the end-to-end ground architecture, including user- and payload-facing software and system interfaces. The position focuses on developing Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), customer data routing, and external APIs for delivering payload data to users. The engineer will help build dependable deep-space communications systems designed to operate across long light-time delays and extended mission durations, working with engineers, mission partners, NASA, and Mars user teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of software development experience, including production code in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
Experience developing and maintaining external-facing APIs for data delivery.
Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure and DevSecOps practices.
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
Experience with space-mission ground systems, spacecraft operations, or a related domain.
Familiarity with antenna communications providers such as ATLAS, SSC, or DTN.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a wide audience.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Experience developing software for NASA civil space programs or integrating with U.S. Government agency missions, such as NASA or JPL.
Hands-on implementation experience with DTN and delay/disruption-tolerant architectures.
Experience with Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS) or comparable relay planning systems.
Experience with spacecraft subsystem software or onboard flight software.
Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS Next Generation (DNG).

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain user-services-layer software, including DTN implementation, customer data routing, and external APIs for payload data delivery.
Build and evolve ground-system software interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth-based services.
Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into robust software designs and implementations.
Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance for reliable operation across deep-space light-time delays.
Implement ground-system interfaces conforming to applicable standards, such as CCSDS and the DTN Bundle Protocol.
Engage with external stakeholders, including NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams, on software interface design and integration.
Document software design, implementation, interfaces, and operational procedures; support deployment and handoff to operations teams.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions or other factors; amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.