Software Engineer, Ground Systems – Blue Ring

Blue Origin • Denver, WA

6d

About The Position

Blue Origin is helping extend humanity's reach across the solar system through the development of deep space communications infrastructure designed to strengthen the communications backbone at Mars and support NASA's long-term civil exploration and science objectives. This infrastructure will serve 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 Interfaces (APIs) that deliver 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.
• 5+ 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.

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.

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.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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