Senior Manager - Optical Payload Systems

Blue Origin • El Segundo, CA

2d

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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. As a Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for the design, development, integration, and production of advanced optical communication payloads for the TeraWave constellation. You will influence the team's contribution to the broader optical payload strategy while ensuring technical excellence, schedule adherence, and cost efficiency. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise in spacecraft systems, complex payloads, and high-reliability electronics, combined with strong leadership and program management skills. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Travel expectations: Up to 25% travel may be for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering , Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in spacecraft systems, electro-optical systems , or advanced electronics hardware design.
• 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams or as main focal for specific projects.
• Experience with product lifecycle management systems (e.g., Windchill).
• Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electronic product development processes.
• Background in technology research and development for space applications.
• Demonstrated project planning and management skills.
• Experience with configuration management and product lifecycle management.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across systems, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test disciplines.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience with optical communications systems, electro-optical payloads, or related technologies.
• Experience with spacecraft mechanical systems and high-reliability electronics hardware design.
• Knowledge of manufacturing execution systems for space hardware production.
• Experience with environmental testing and qualification of space hardware.
• Experience with computer-aided design tools such as PTC Creo .
• Experience with supplier selection and management for critical space hardware components.
• K nowledge of process development and optimization in a space hardware environment.
• Eligibility for a DoD Top Secret (TS) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers focused on optical payload system design, development, production, and maintenance for the TeraWave constellation.
• Oversee the development of optical payload architectures that enable high-speed, reliable inter-satellite links and ground communications.
• Drive the technical direction for optical payload systems, ensuring alignment with program requirements, performance targets, and schedule milestones.
• Manage personnel, including hiring, workload planning, performance evaluations, and mentorship/development of staff.
• Develop and implement processes at the business unit level to improve efficiency.
• Coordinate with program management teams to manage plans and schedules related to optical payload design, integration, and testing to ensure correct execution and on-time delivery.
• Provide engineering support to development and production activities, capturing feedback, offering technical direction, and implementing improvements.
• Assist in design configuration development and trade studies, offering technical guidance for hardware integration and installation.
• Identify opportunities for operational cost and schedule improvements while maintaining high quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, materials and process, and global supply chain.
• Maintain the team's good spirit and focus, and drive necessary updates and changes to designs and tools.
• Support critical path management, planning, execution, and risk management.
• Apply technical expertise , leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact the TeraWave mission.

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.

What This Job Offers

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