Optomechanical Engineer - PAT Systems - TeraWave
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 Optomechanical Engineer to join our Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and assembling complete optical setups, developing test software, performing precise optical alignments, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting test procedures for advanced optical systems. The ideal candidate combines hands-on optical laboratory experience with software development skills to support our cutting-edge PAT research and development efforts. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance may be available for this position Travel expectations: Up to 50% travel may be required to support testing and integration activities at various Blue Origin facilities
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
- Demonstrated experience building and assembling optical setups in laboratory environments
- Knowledge of optical equipment including lasers, detectors, imaging systems, and optical alignment tools
- Experience with laboratory test equipment (oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, etc.)
- Knowledge of programming for test automation and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent documentation and technical writing abilities
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field
- Experience with pointing, acquisition and tracking systems
- Knowledge of optical communication systems
- Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools (Zemax, Code V, SolidWorks, etc.)
- Experience with system integration and testing in aerospace applications
- Background in data visualization and statistical analysis
- Experience with space-qualified optical systems
- Knowledge of free-space optical communications technology
- Understanding of spacecraft attitude control systems and their interaction with optical payloads
Responsibilities
- System Integration & Testing Integrate precision optical components with mechanical assemblies and electronics subsystems to create functional PAT test platforms
- Engineer and construct sophisticated optical bench configurations with high alignment precision requirements
- Develop and implement comprehensive test software suites to validate PAT subsystem performance metrics, including pointing accuracy, acquisition sensor sensitivity, and tracking stability
- Execute rigorous experimental protocols and conduct statistical analysis of system performance data
- Documentation & Collaboration Author detailed technical documentation including test procedures, analysis methodologies, and performance reports
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of optical designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and software developers to resolve complex technical challenges
- Facilitate the transition of proven PAT technologies from R&D environment to production implementation
- Laboratory Management Maintain laboratory equipment, optical components, and test systems to ensure measurement integrity and repeatability
- Support the design and development of optical systems for Blue Ring and other In-Space Systems projects
Benefits
- Benefits include: 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. Please check with your recruiter for more details.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
