Ground Software Engineer III - Blue Ring

BLUE ORIGIN•Reston, VA

3d•$150,931 - $230,513

About The Position

This role is part of Blue National Security and supports Blue Ring and NASA’s Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN), a relay communications infrastructure intended to provide reliable, high-availability data services between Mars-based users and Earth. The engineer will help design, develop, integrate, and operate the end-to-end ground architecture connecting Mars users to Earth-based services, including user- and payload-facing software and system interfaces. The role focuses on developing Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), customer data routing, and external APIs for delivering data to users. The engineer will help build dependable deep-space communications systems that operate across significant light-time delays and over long-duration missions, working with engineering teams and external mission stakeholders.

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 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, including CCSDS and the DTN Bundle Protocol.
Engage with 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.
Paid time off of up to four weeks 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 and company results or other factors.