Principal Security Architect - TeraWave

Blue Origin•Cupertino, WA

23d

About The Position

Blue Origin is developing TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps to enterprise, data center, and government users. The Principal Security Architect will design, build, and enforce cybersecurity defenses across the end-to-end space system, including spacecraft, terminals, ground stations, command-and-control links, and cloud and edge infrastructure. The role includes securing onboard computers, firmware, satellite-bus components, and inter-satellite links; protecting RF and optical communications between Earth and orbit; and establishing zero-trust architectures and trust boundaries to contain breaches. This is a deeply technical, hands-on position focused on threat modeling, architecture definition, and security design reviews. The architect will work within the Chief Systems Architecture office and collaborate with payload, flight software, ground systems, network engineering, silicon, manufacturing, and flight operations teams. The role also contributes to assessing security staffing needs and developing the security team as the constellation scales.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred.
10+ years of experience spanning threat modeling, cryptography, identity management and authentication, network security, and secure software development.
Deep understanding of embedded systems security, including firmware, ASICs, and FPGAs, alongside modern software engineering practices.
Deep understanding of Linux security features and defense strategies.
Demonstrated ability to frame and close architectural trades by scoping questions, identifying binding constraints, and documenting defensible outcomes.
Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to present security architecture and risk assessments clearly to domain specialists and program leadership.

Nice To Haves

Experience with security in export-controlled environments.
Understanding of threat actor tradecraft and state-of-the-art attack techniques.
Experience building or leading a small technical team from inception.
Experience leading threat assessments and defining security architectures within manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

Design and enforce cybersecurity architectures across spacecraft, terminals, ground stations, command-and-control links, and cloud and edge infrastructure.
Secure onboard satellite systems, including embedded computers, firmware, inter-satellite links, and other critical bus components.
Protect RF and optical/laser links between Earth and orbit against data manipulation, interception, and denial.
Establish and enforce zero-trust architectures, segment space network links, define trust boundaries, and ensure breach containment across system elements.
Perform threat modeling and risk analysis across system segments; establish security policies and ensure adherence to regulatory frameworks.
Translate business and compliance requirements into functional security architectures, including network segmentation, firewall DMZs, and identity management schemes.
Balance security controls with operational productivity, cloud migration timelines, and program objectives.
Guide and mentor engineering teams on security practices; review proposed infrastructure and design changes for security implications; oversee incident response.
Collaborate across manufacturing operations, flight operations, payload, software, ground, network, and silicon teams to ensure security goals and requirements are understood and addressed.
Assess evolving program security staffing needs, define roles, build the case for resources, and help hire and develop the security team as the constellation scales.
Define security requirements for TeraWave manufacturing assembly and test processes.

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 and company results or other factors, at the company's discretion; bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.