Electro-Optical Engineer - Optical Payload I&T - TeraWave
Blue OriginApplication close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.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 Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
At Blue Origin, we are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration and Test team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining optical laboratory infrastructure, performing integration and testing of optical communication terminals, conducting precise subsystem testing of PAT actuators and sensors, executing factory acceptance tests, and performing verification and validation activities to ensure system performance meets requirements. The ideal candidate combines hands-on optical laboratory experience with strong integration skills to support the transition of our cutting-edge optical communication systems from development to production.
Special Mentions:
Relocation assistance may be available for this position
Travel expectations: Up to 50% travel may be required to support testing and integration activities at various Blue Origin facilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Design, build, and maintain optical lab infrastructure for Optical Communication Terminal development
Perform Unit, Integration, and System level testing and characterization of optical payload and PAT (Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking) system
Establish procedures to integrate optical and mechanical subassemblies
Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) protocols
Conduct Verification and Validation testing to ensure system performance meets requirements
Document test results and prepare technical reports
Lead troubleshooting efforts for optical, mechanical, and electrical issues during integration
Support the transition from development to production phases
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration challenges
Maintain calibration and operational status of optical test equipment
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field
5+ years of experience in optical system integration and testing
Demonstrated track record of successful optical alignment techniques and equipment usage
Proven experience with optical communication systems and components
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of diode lasers, optical fiber amplifiers, optical fibers, thin-film coatings, polarization and radiation detectors technologies.
Strong proficiency with test equipment such as power meters, wavefront sensors, and interferometers
Advanced understanding of opto-mechanical interfaces and tolerancing
Experience leading laboratory test automation efforts using software like LabVIEW or Python
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
History of technical problem-solving in electro-optical integration challenges
Experience mentoring junior engineers in laboratory techniques and procedures
Strong documentation and technical writing skills
Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Optical Engineering or related field
7+ years of experience in aerospace or defense optical systems integration
Experience with free-space optical communications systems
Knowledge of PAT systems for optical communications
Experience with environmental testing of optical systems
Demonstrated expertise in space qualification requirements for optical payloads
Experience with optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax, Code V)
Knowledge of laser safety protocols and regulations
Experience with clean room operations and procedures
Six Sigma or similar quality control certification
Experience with configuration management and version control systems
History of successful technical leadership on complex integration projects
Why Blue Origin:
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As an Electro-Optical Engineer on our Optical Payload I&T team, you'll be at the forefront of developing critical technologies for space communications and infrastructure, directly contributing to Blue Origin's mission of enabling a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.
We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.
Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical
Benefits
Benefits include: 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. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.