Senior Photonics Systems Engineer - TeraWave

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 Tera Wave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

As a Senior Photonics System Engineer, you will own the end-to-end modem photonics architecture for a state-of-the-art space laser communication terminal. You will define and integrate the full optical chain—including seed and LO lasers, modulators, optical amplifiers, filters, polarization control, and receivers—to deliver high-reliability, high-throughput optical links for a growing range of customer missions. Your technical leadership will set the standard for capability, manufacturability, and on-orbit performance.

• Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
• Travel expectations:
  Occasional travel may be required for technical reviews and supplier visits.

• Define requirements, own optical link budgets and conduct architecture trade studies for space laser communication modem photonics.
• Architect and select narrow-linewidth lasers, electro-optic modulators and bias control, optical amplifiers, optical filters/WDM, polarization management, isolators, and coherent/Direct-Detect receiver front-ends.
• Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and radiation margins; define interfaces to DSP/modem electronics, drivers/TIAs, power, and thermal/mechanical teams.
• Lead make/buy decisions and guide supplier selection, qualification, and performance management for critical photonic components.
• Establish redundancy and reliability strategies appropriate for spaceflight.

• Lead breadboard and brass board development to de-risk architecture choices and mature to flight design.
• Define and execute verification and validation plans, including optical performance (OSNR, linewidth, RIN, extinction ratio, EVM/BER), stability, and latency.
• Analyze test data to characterize impairments (e.g., phase noise, SBS/thermal effects) and drive corrective actions.
• Validate system performance through environmental test (TVAC, vibration, shock, and radiation considerations) and ensure compliance to requirements.
• Maintain rigorous documentation of requirements, designs, ICDs, procedures, and results; contribute to FMEAs and design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (DSP/software, RF/electronics, optics, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to achieve design-for-manufacture and design-for-test.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems such as lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware, with at least 3 years in lead/architect roles.
• Demonstrated experience with photonics systems involving fiber-based electro‑optic modulators and optical receivers.
• In-depth knowledge of lasers and photonics (e.g., narrow-linewidth lasers, photodiodes, nonlinear optics, fiber components/assembly, and laser system fabrication).
• Experience developing functional specifications, verification plans, and functional test procedures for optical communication systems.
• Proficiency in system characterization, environmental testing, and data analysis for photonic subsystems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to broad audiences and collaborate across disciplines to drive decisions.
• MS degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience.

• 10+ years of experience in lasers/optics/electronics/aerospace hardware with 5+ years in lead architect roles
• Expertise in high data rate optical communications, including advanced modulation, DSP interfaces, and coherent reception techniques.
• Direct experience deploying systems in spaceflight environments and qualifying photonic hardware for launch and on-orbit operation.
• Hands-on experience with test frameworks and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with LabVIEW). Experience with optical system simulation tools (e.g., VPIphotonics, Opti System, or similar) is a plus.
• Experience with Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA), fiber handling/assembly, contamination control, and process improvement in production environments.
• PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field.