PRINCIPAL ENGINEER - OPTICAL TEST DEVELOPMENT - TeraWave

Blue Origin•Southgate, WA

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! - 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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. Blue Origin's Emerging Systems is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to lead optical test development for the TeraWave constellation. In this role, you will develop and implement advanced test methodologies for optical systems, including structured light testing, wavefront analysis, and metrology techniques to ensure the performance and reliability of space-based optical communications hardware. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Travel expectations: Up to 15% travel may be for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Requirements

Ph.D. or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
10+ years of experience in optical test development or related fields
Demonstrated expertise in optical metrology and test system design
Experience with structured light testing, interferometry, or wavefront analysis
Strong background in automation of optical test procedures
Experience with optical design and simulation tools
Knowledge of environmental testing for space applications

Nice To Haves

Experience with optical communications systems or free-space optics
Background in diffractive optics or meta-surface testing
Knowledge of laser safety protocols and procedures
Experience with Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for test automation
Background in statistical process control for optical manufacturing
Experience with supplier qualification and management
Knowledge of space qualification testing requirements
Experience with optical alignment techniques and verification

Responsibilities

Develop comprehensive test strategies and methodologies for optical communications systems
Design and implement optical test setups for performance validation and qualification
Create automated test systems and procedures for high-volume production
Analyze test data and provide technical recommendations for system improvements
Establish optical metrology standards and procedures for the TeraWave program
Wavefront sensing and analysis techniques
Optical alignment verification methods
Environmental testing of optical systems
Supplier qualification for 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.

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