Senior Software Engineer, Ground Systems

BLUE ORIGIN•Reston, WA

1d•$181,626 - $276,540

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 role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. Blue Origin is helping extend humanity's reach across the solar system by developing NASA’s Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) – a relay communications infrastructure designed to provide reliable, high-availability data services between Mars-based users and Earth in support of NASA's civil exploration and science objectives. MTN delivers relay-as-a-service to orbiters, landers, rovers, and future crewed assets, bridging the deep space link through an integrated end-to-end ground system. As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will play a meaningful role in the design, development, integration, and operation of the end-to-end ground architecture that connects Mars users to Earth-based services. This includes significant definition and development of user and payload facing software and system interfaces. This role will help architect Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), customer data routing, and the external Application Programming Interface (APIs) that delivers data to users. You will help architect and mature the systems that make deep space communications dependable across significant light-time delays and long-duration operations. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to quality to positively impact one of the most ambitious civil space missions of our time. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of software development experience, with production code in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
Experience developing and maintaining external-facing APIs for data delivery.
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) and DevSecOps practices.
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
Experience with space mission ground systems, spacecraft operations, or a related domain.
Familiarity with communications protocols used in space applications (e.g., CCSDS, DTN, Bundle Protocol).
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a wide audience.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
Experience developing software for NASA civil space programs or integrating with U.S. Government agency missions (e.g., NASA, JPL).
Hands-on implementation experience with DTN and delay/disruption-tolerant architectures.
Experience with Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS) or comparable relay planning systems.
Experience with spacecraft subsystem software or onboard flight software.
Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS Next Generation (DNG).

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, including DTN implementation, customer data routing, and external APIs for payload data delivery.
Build and evolve ground system software interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth-based services.
Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into robust software designs and implementations.
Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance to ensure reliable operation across deep space light-time delays.
Implement ground system interfaces conforming to applicable standards (e.g., CCSDS, DTN Bundle Protocol) for civil deep space missions.
Engage with external stakeholders including NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams on software interface design and integration.
Document software architecture, interfaces, and operational procedures; support deployment and handoff to operations teams.
Mentor peers on software engineering best practices including scalability, reliability, and maintainability.