Senior Photonics Systems Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin • El Segundo, CA

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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. As a Senior Photonics System Engineer, you will own the end-to-end modem photonics architecture for a state-of-the-art space laser communication terminal. You will define and integrate the full optical chain—including seed and LO lasers, modulators, optical amplifiers, filters, polarization control, and receivers—to deliver high-reliability, high-throughput optical links for a growing range of customer missions. Your technical leadership will set the standard for capability, manufacturability, and on-orbit performance. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance may be available for this position . Travel expectations: Occasional travel may be for technical reviews and supplier visits .

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems such as lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware, with at least 3 years in lead/architect roles .
• Demonstrated experience with photonics systems involving fiber-based electro‑optic modulators and optical receivers .
• In-depth knowledge of lasers and photonics (e.g., narrow-linewidth lasers, photodiodes, nonlinear optics, fiber components/assembly, and laser system fabrication) .
• Experience developing functional specifications, verification plans, and functional test procedures for optical communication systems .
• Proficiency in system characterization, environmental testing, and data analysis for photonic subsystems .
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to broad audiences and collaborate across disciplines to drive decisions .
• MS degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience .

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of experience in lasers/optics/electronics/aerospace hardware with 5+ years in lead architect roles
• Expertise in high data rate optical communications, including advanced modulation , DSP interfaces, and coherent reception techniques .
• Direct experience deploying systems in spaceflight environments and qualifying photonic hardware for launch and on-orbit operation .
• Hands-on experience with test frameworks and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with LabVIEW).
• Experience with optical system simulation tools (e.g., VPIphotonics , OptiSystem , or similar) is a plus .
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA), fiber handling/assembly, contamination control, and process improvement in production environments .
• PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field .

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Design Define requirements, o wn optical link budgets and conduct architecture trade studies for space laser communication modem photonics .
• Architect and select narrow-linewidth lasers, electro-optic modulators and bias control, optical amplifiers, optical filters/WDM, polarization management, isolators, and coherent/Direct-Detect receiver front-ends .
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and radiation margins; define interfaces to DSP/modem electronics, drivers/TIAs, power, and thermal/mechanical teams.
• Lead make/buy decisions and guide supplier selection , qualification, and performance management for critical photonic components .
• Establish redundancy and reliability strategies appropriate for spaceflight .
• Development, Integration & Test Lead breadboard and brassboard development to de-risk architecture choices and mature to flight design .
• Define and execute verification and validation plans, including optical performance (OSNR, linewidth, RIN, extinction ratio, EVM/BER), stability, and latency .
• Analyze test data to characterize impairments (e.g., phase noise, SBS/thermal effects) and drive corrective actions .
• Validate system performance through environmental test (TVAC, vibration, shock, and radiation considerations) and ensure compliance to requirements .
• Maintain rigorous documentation of requirements, designs, ICDs, procedures, and results; contribute to FMEAs and design reviews .
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (DSP/software, RF/electronics, optics, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to achieve design-for-manufacture and design-for-test .

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: Senior