Principal Software Engineer: Intra-Satellite Networking & Platforms - TeraWave

Blue Origin • Southgate, WA

1d

About The Position

As a Principal Software Engineer for TeraWave, you will serve as the technical cornerstone for the "nervous system" of Blue Origin's next-generation global satellite constellation, designed to provide high-bandwidth, ultra-low-latency connectivity across the globe. You will own the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software across multiple product nodes and hardware platforms. This high-visibility role bridges the gap between hardware and software, requiring you to define technical strategies that align with ASIC, FPGA, and Systems Architecture teams to deliver a high-capacity, low-latency space-based network operating within the unique constraints of high-velocity orbital dynamics, rapidly changing topologies, and extreme speed-of-light limitations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline
• 15+ years of professional software development experience
• Expert-level development proficiency in C, C++, or Python

Nice To Haves

• Deep expertise in UDP, TCP/IP, and Layer 2 protocols including RSTP, Link Aggregation, and QCN
• Advanced knowledge of Quality of Service (QoS) in high-performance networked systems
• Experience with network switch and ASIC programming
• Experience with Linux kernel-level networking and Board Support Packages (BSPs)
• Proven track record in hardware/software co-design working alongside FPGA and ASIC teams
• Hands-on experience with ARM or x86 processors in embedded, real-time environments
• Deep understanding of testing, CI/CD pipelines, and continuous monitoring in dynamic production environments
• Experience identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in distributed systems
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across Software, Hardware, and Systems Architecture organizations
• Exceptional analytical skills and a creative approach to solving ambiguous technical constraints

Responsibilities

• Define the technical roadmap for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software stacks
• Lead the design and implementation of kernel-level networking subsystems, network switch/ASIC programming, and Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL)
• Drive architectural decisions through Design Review Boards, ensuring alignment with ground systems, manufacturing, and systems architecture
• Define test strategies and develop foundation software for pre-integration and hardware bring-up phases
• Troubleshoot low-level software and platform-specific Board Support Packages (BSPs) to diagnose root causes of system malfunctions or performance deviations
• Solve complex issues in FPGA stability and system design to ensure a reliable global software-defined network
• Deliver high-throughput, scalable end-to-end data plane networking solutions to internal and external customers
• Develop real-time networking solutions for resource-constrained edge and embedded environments
• Ensure hardware configurations meet specific end-user use cases across client platforms
• Scale the engineering organization by recruiting and hiring top-tier engineering talent
• Mentor senior engineers and guide teams through rigorous code and design reviews
• Collaborate with internal teams across Intra-sat Networking, Platform Software, Radio Software, and Integration & Test
• Partner with MAC Software, FPGA, Hardware/ASIC, Systems Architecture, and Manufacturing teams to drive cross-functional alignment
• Represent technical programs and initiatives to Design Review Boards and Principal Engineering leadership

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.
• Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal