Sr. Communication Operations Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN • Reston, VA

3d • $156,802 - $219,522

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 the Blue National Security (BNS) Business Unit, which is focused on delivering resilient, mission-critical space capabilities, including Blue Ring, to support national defense and objectives. With Blue Ring, our customers are empowered to achieve operational advantage across cislunar and Earth orbit domains, redefine mission flexibility, and pursue bold new concepts that were once beyond reach.
As a Senior Communication Operations Engineer focused on Ground Operations supporting Blue Ring spacecraft, you will be the technical authority Responsible for integration and ongoing operations of the communications interfaces between ground systems and on-orbit assets. You will own the hands-on work of communications planning and the technical integration of diverse ground networks into operations. This role requires a deep technical expert who can develop, document, and validate the critical ground operations processes that will ensure robust and reliable communication is maintained with on-orbit assets.
Join us in enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth — passion for our mission is required!
Special Mentions
This role requires occasional periods of shift work and on-call availability during mission-critical phases, anomaly resolution, and key customer milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, software engineering, or other engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in on-orbit spacecraft mission operations or ground operations.
• Experience with scheduling, integrating, and/or operating remote ground terminals for satellite operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines.
• Experience with developing and managing ground segment requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to disseminate critical technical information effectively and clearly.
• Demonstrated technical leadership ability.
• 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 a technical field.
• Active or eligible for Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
• Deep technical knowledge in Space-to-Ground Communication Systems (RF, Ground Stations, Modems, Antenna Systems).
• Experience with NASA ground operations and scheduling resources, including the Deep Space Network (DSN).
• Familiarity with NASA standards and operations protocols.
• Demonstrated experience building and commissioning mission-critical ground systems, processes, or operational teams from the ground up.
• Technical knowledge in spacecraft systems engineering (avionics, propulsion, attitude control, life support systems, thermal and power control systems).
• Proficiency in coding or scripting languages.
• Experience with government or defense space programs and associated customer relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational integration of commercial, government, and civil antenna networks, including the Deep Space Network, into the Blue Ring ground system, ensuring compatibility and readiness.
• Establish and document the ground operations procedures, flight rules, and CONOPS required for reliable space-to-ground communications.
• Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans for Blue Ring missions, including contact scheduling, data link budgeting, and network resource allocation.
• Define technical requirements for the ground software alongside mission systems teams to support robust, automated ground communication operations.
• Support and build the execution of pre-flight validation and testing for the end-to-end communication system, from the spacecraft to the ground network and maintain capabilities throughout mission life.
• Serve as a senior technical contributor during real-time mission operations, responsible for the health and performance of the ground communications system.
• Perform deep-dive analysis of communication system telemetry to troubleshoot anomalies, assess performance, and drive system improvements throughout on-orbit operations.
• Collaborate with mission management to translate customer needs into actionable communication service plans and operational concepts.

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.

What This Job Offers

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