Satellite Flight Software Engineer IIIAt 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!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 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.We are seeking a Satellite Flight Software Engineer III to design, develop, and verify applications for TeraWave's satellite flight software subsystem. This role will be instrumental in building robust, scalable flight software to support the expansion of TeraWave into a 5,408-vehicle constellation.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with experience developing reliable, mission-critical software for onboard spacecraft avionics systems with emphasis on command and data handling (C&DH), telecommand and telemetry processing, spacecraft time management, hardware I/O interfaces, and cybersecurity.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Design, develop, and implement flight software for TeraWave's command and data handling (C&DH) software, including command routing, onboard data management, telemetry generation, and subsystem controlDevelop telecommand and telemetry processing software for uplink command validation, scheduling, and execution, and onboard health and status data collection and downlink managementDevelop spacecraft time management software including onboard time correlation, synchronization with GPS/GNSS time references, and precision timing distribution across vehicle subsystemsCreate and maintain software interfaces between C&DH and other spacecraft subsystems to support safe and secure vehicle operationsCollaborate with hardware, systems, and autonomy engineers to define software requirements, interfaces, and behavioral boundaries across subsystemsDevelop and integrate simulation environments and models to test FSW across a range of nominal and off-nominal operational scenariosSupport software architecture, design reviews, and systems engineering trade studiesParticipate in software integration, verification, and validation testing including software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environmentsSupport on-orbit operations and troubleshooting of deployed spacecraftMentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical developmentMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field6+ years of experience in spacecraft flight software or embedded software developmentStrong programming skills in C, C++, and PythonSolid understanding of Object-Oriented problem solving and software layering to facilitate modularity and reuseExperience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as Linux, QNX, VxWorks, RTEMS or equivalentExperience developing software for one or more spacecraft avionics functions such as C&DH, telecommand and telemetry processing, or hardware I/O managementFamiliarity with CCSDS standards for spacecraft telecommand and telemetry processingFamiliarity with cybersecurity principles for space systems including secure boot, command authentication, or encrypted communication linksExperience with software unit testing frameworks such as Google Test or equivalent for embedded C/C++ environmentsExperience with inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms including sockets, shared memory, message queues, or publish-subscribe middlewareExperience with cross-compilation toolchains and embedded Linux build systems such as CMake, Make, Yocto, or BuildrootExperience with software lifecycle, configuration management (Git), CI/CD, and containerized environmentsExperience with verification/validation practices for mission-critical embedded software systemsExperience with communication protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, I2C, SPI, and RS-422/485Familiarity with static analysis tools and flight software coding standards such as MISRA C/C++Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related fieldExperience with on-orbit spacecraft operations or satellite constellation managementExperience with over-the-air (OTA) software updatesFamiliarity with CCSDS standards for spacecraft telecommand and telemetry processingFamiliarity with cybersecurity principles for space systems including secure boot, command authentication, or encrypted communication linksExperience with onboard time management, precision timing interfaces, or GPS-disciplined time synchronizationFamiliarity with NASA cFS, F Prime, or similar flight software frameworksFamiliarity with spacecraft FDIR and autonomy software components and their interfacesUnderstanding of radiation effects on electronics and software-based mitigation techniquesWhy Blue OriginAt Blue Origin, we're building the future of space-based connectivity through the TeraWave satellite communications network. As a Satellite Flight Software Engineer III, you will design and test flight software and contribute directly to a large-scale satellite constellation delivering high-performance, resilient global communications. Join a team solving complex, mission-critical problems at the intersection of spacecraft, software, networking, and systems integration.Base Pay Range for:CA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80 CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05 WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80 Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon'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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue's Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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