Senior Optics Technician - TeraWave

Overview

Application 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!

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.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with Tera Wave, 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.

As the lead Senior Optics Technician at Blue Origin, you will be on the front line of building our optical communication payloads. This role executes the hands-on assembly, bonding, and alignment of our precision optical systems in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom. Your expertise and feedback will be critical to refining our manufacturing processes and achieving production goals for our advanced space systems.

Travel expectations:
Up to 20% travel may be required for training or specialized testing.

• Cleanroom Assembly & Process Execution:
  Perform clean assembly of telescope mirrors, relay optics, polarization components, and detector modules, following travelers and work instructions
• Execute precision bonding and shimming operations using defined processes and tooling
• Apply and verify black coatings and manage bakeout processes to meet contamination control requirements
• Maintain impeccable ISO-class cleanliness, ESD/FOD discipline, and process documentation

• Set up and support optical alignment workflows using interferometers and autocollimators under engineering guidance
• Provide real-time feedback to engineering on fixture usability, process ergonomics, and opportunities to improve cycle time and yield (key DFA input)

• Collaborate with the engineering team to refine work instructions and tooling based on build experience
• Mentor and train additional operators as the production line scales

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in the assembly of precision optical or microelectronic systems in a cleanroom environment
• Proficiency with optical bonding, shimming, and handling of delicate coated optics
• Experience working from detailed work instructions and supporting engineering-led assembly
• Strong documentation skills and commitment to quality, safety, and cleanliness protocols

• Experience with space-flight hardware and contamination control protocols
• Familiarity with fiber optic handling, splicing, and termination
• Direct experience supporting optical alignment with interferometers or autocollimators
• Previous role in a production ramp or AS9100 manufacturing environment

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $43.74 - $61.24

WA applicants is $43.74 - $61.24

Other site ranges may differ

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.

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.

• 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…