Ground Data Systems Engineer level 3 – In-Space Systems

This position will report to the In-Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead. 

As a Ground Data Systems Engineer 3, you will work closely with an accomplished team of Ground System, Software, Mission Systems, and Flight Operations Engineers. You will perform RF / Communications development, testing, and deployment tasks across space and ground boundaries through the full system lifecycle. You will be responsible for owning and maintaining technical capabilities crucial to the space-to-ground operations of spacecraft with a range of concepts of operations. The ideal candidate is someone who brings creative ideas, along with the persistence and passion to build a program. You will enjoy a fast-paced dynamic environment, contribute innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. 

We are looking for someone to apply their vision, passion, technical expertise, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. 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! 

Responsibilities: 

• Identify, derive, develop, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements, including traceability and verification and validation approaches. 

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers representing flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration & Test, and external vendors & ground station providers. 

• Develop and refine the ground data system and communications architectures across a broad set of mission requirements. 

• Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents, for example, Space Vehicle to Ground Network interfaces. 

• Plan, perform, and document requirement verification and validation for Ground Data Systems. 

• Plan and perform frequent Ground Data Systems product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to production software releases. 

• Support initiatives to improve Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools. 

• Perform analysis to ensure operability across the Space-Ground System, and support efforts to improve operability where justified. 

Qualifications: 

• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field. 

• 5+ years of technical experience developing Space-to-Ground Communications systems and their ground systems. 

• 5+ years of technical experience in the Communications domain, spanning the complete OSI stack, including transport protocols and standards (including CCSDS), and application protocol definition. 

• Experience developing communications link budgets to predict link closure and data rates. 

• Proficiency with communication standards and protocols including modulation formats and channel coding (e.g., DVB-S2/X, Ka/S/X bands). 

• Experience with ranging systems, i.e., CCSDS regenerative and transparent ranging, PN ranging codes. 

• Experience with Type 1 encryption and other secure communication technologies. 

• Experience with computer networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.). 

• Proficiency in a scripting language, preferably Python. 

• Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit (STK) simulations with RF link analysis reports. 

• Experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems. 

• Experience with integrating with ground network providers. 

• Experience with instrumentation and Hardware/Software based Ground Modems (i.e., Amergint, Kratos). 

• Experience in a complex system lifecycle – requirement definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment. 

• Ability to travel in support of test and flight operations. 

• Ability to earn trust and maintain positive and professional relationships. 

• 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. 

Desired: 

• M.S. in a related technical field. 

• Experience in space communication systems, particularly those geared towards Lunar, CisLunar or deep-space missions. 

• Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners. 

• First principles knowledge of major spacecraft subsystems including Avionics, TT&C and/or RF Communications. 

• Experience with requirements management tools, preferably DOORS Next Generation. 

• Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA, and version control like Git. 

• Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill.