Spacecraft Data Systems Engineer - Blue Ring

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

The Spacecraft Data Systems Engineer will shape and implement the data and data-handling architecture for Blue Ring spacecraft, connecting flight software data with spacecraft systems, ground operations, and test engineering. The role ensures program requirements, operational descriptions, and system designs support customer needs and the mission. The engineer will interpret functional description documents and existing command and telemetry definitions to develop the overall data architecture for Blue Ring satellites. This includes guiding data formats, streams, storage, and testing through verification of a complete spacecraft solution. The role works closely with spacecraft development engineers, flight software developers, spaceflight operations, and test engineering to implement data-architecture use cases, establish standards and processes, and ensure data products are sufficient. It requires a systems-thinking approach to align data interfaces and interactions across interconnected systems. This position is part of Blue National Security, focused on the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Relocation is provided, travel is expected up to 10% of the time, and TS/SCI with CI poly is desired but not required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, applied mathematics, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in spacecraft development and operations.
Proven experience developing and managing Command and Telemetry Databases (CTDB), with proficiency in spacecraft telemetry, data management, and command sequencing.
Familiarity with spacecraft flight software design and architecture.
Experience with CCSDS standards, including command and telemetry formats.
Proficiency in one or more of Java, Python, JavaScript, C, or C++, with a proven background in software development and automation for data solutions.
Experience with Command and Control (C2) or Flight Software (FSW) software tools.
Ability to work effectively with Integration & Test, Ground & Spaceflight Operations, and Systems Engineering teams to integrate data sets and parameter information files.
Ability to build trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to an inclusive culture.
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

Familiarity with Agile methodologies and modern software development practices.
Proficiency applying AI and machine learning techniques to improve data-processing capabilities.
Experience with data governance and standard methodologies for security and compliance.
CCSDS experience and understanding of the full OSI stack, including the application and data layers.
Ability to communicate complex data and software architecture concepts to IPT leads, executives, and customers in a way that supports clear understanding and decisions.
Domain expertise in spacecraft systems and subsystem functions, interfaces, and communication protocols, such as serial, 1553, Ethernet, and embedded software.
Demonstrated experience debugging and identifying root causes at the hardware/software boundary.
Experience using hardware testbeds and laboratory environments for software and system verification.
Understanding of cloud infrastructure for data deployment and orchestration.
Experience with Jira, GitLab, and CI/CD pipelines.
Active TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead development of the Command and Telemetry Database and Parameter Database, and define file management and onboard data storage.
Manage data for spacecraft uplink, onboard command sequences, data transfer, telemetry downlink, and data prioritization within flight software and memory-management devices.
Define data-architecture strategies that distinguish data placement between the CTDB and Parameter data.
Develop a roadmap for scalable, robust data-architecture strategies to manage telemetry and command data across a fleet of vehicles, accounting for future needs, payloads, and missions.
Shape the payload and spacecraft program areas by developing techniques, processes, and criteria for effective data management and data-handling architecture.
Work with spacecraft development, flight software, spaceflight operations, and test engineering teams to implement data-architecture use cases.
Guide data formats, streams, storage development, and testing through verification of a complete spacecraft solution.
Develop data architecture details, standards, and processes, and ensure data products are sufficient.
Automate data processes and deployment of data products for testing and operational readiness on flight hardware.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.