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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is a part of the Test & Flight Operations team, providing centralized support to Business Units with the focus on design, build and maintenance of the ground systems, test, and launch facilities across multiple locations. This position reports to the Blue Origin Test & Flight Operations business unit and will support the Blue Ring Mission Element and Mission Capabilities teams.

As a Ground & Space Operations Payload Communications Lead, you will collaborate with an accomplished team of Ground System, Software, Mission Systems and Flight Operations Engineers. Your role will encompass leading and executing the full development lifecycle of a capability that will enable Blue Origin's vision of advanced interspace communication and in-space networking capability.

The role will define and implement the ground-based operations system capabilities to enable seamless networking between hosted payloads, in-space user terminals, and Earth. You will contribute significantly to the team's development of new tools for networking orchestration, APIs for automated interfaces to customer mission networks, and tools used to operate advanced communications payloads.

You will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where you will drive innovation and demonstrate personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention towards safe and reliable spaceflight.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the definition of the CONOPS, requirements, architecture definition and implementation for the ground segment of Blue Ring's space data networking capability
• Identify, define, and maintain the interfaces specifications between the ground segment and customer mission networks to ensure seamless integration
• Collaborate with the space segment team to define and implement the ground segment tools for managing multiple communication payloads hosted on deployed Blue Ring spacecraft
• Develop processes and procedures to validate the integrity and functionality of end-to-end data flows and communication interfaces
• Support the operations team in creating related operations products including tools, procedure, documentation, and training materials
• Participate in operations for the Blue Ring missions

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field
• Minimum 10+ years of industry related experience
• Expertise defining, developing, and fielding production software
• Experience in RF or optical communication protocols for both space-to-ground and space-to-space data links
• Knowledgeable in terrestrial network communication protocols and their application
• Experience in spacecraft or payload operations
• Strong understanding of complex systems engineering principles and methodologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field
• Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and Cloud Architectures (for ex. AWS)
• Experience with Command and Control (C2) software tools
• Experience with Mission Planning and Contact Planning systems
• Experience with Front End Processor software tools
• Experience with CCSDS and/or common space-ground protocols
• Experience with integration of modems, antennas, and Front-End Processors
• Experience with AES-256 crypto key management as well as architecting of encryption / decryption solutions
• Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners
• First principles knowledge of all major spacecraft subsystems
• Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence)
• Experience with requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation
• Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill
• Familiarity with version control, preferably Git

Compensation range for on site CO applicants is $188,427-$263,797

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $198,993-$278,590

Compensation range for on site CA applicants is $198,993-$278,590

Other site ranges may differ

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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.

Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 "EEO Is the Law," 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.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice .