Sr. Flight Dynamics System Software Architect – TeraWave

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!

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.

As part of a small, hardworking, and accomplished team of Mission Systems and Flight Operations Engineers, you will work closely with space vehicle and ground subsystem teams, leading and performing flight and operations development tasks throughout the full system lifecycle. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of the mission operations concept, mission analysis and planning, flight planning, ground data systems, and tools used to operate the TeraWave satellites.

You will enjoy a fast-paced dynamic environment, contributing innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. This position will directly impact the history of space and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact TeraWave. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Refine software architecture and lead software implementation of flight dynamics capabilities for a cutting-edge satellite management system, capable of operating a large constellation of satellites with a small team.

• Guide the development and implementation of mission operation software and ground system infrastructure in the AWS Cloud.

• Lead the Flight Dynamics System software build automation, continuous integration, configuration management, verification, and deployment.

• Assist the operations team in creating operations products (procedures, documentation etc.) that support the flight dynamics aspects of mission operations, including interfaces between Command & Control, Mission Planning and Ground Station Antenna Systems.

• Develop and integrate software components, including performing unit-level and system-level tests as part of the Ground System Verification & Validation process.

• Manage a complex variety of needs, constraints, and tasks from mission stakeholders, including engineers representing spacecraft systems, ground software engineers, flight operations, customers, and program management

• Support mission control software operations responsibilities (maintenance, flaw correction, improvements) during operator training; ground data system verification, validation, and certification; spacecraft integration; and flight.

• Collaborate with the training team to plan training simulations and other training activities

• Support mission operations

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in computer science, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related technical field

• Expertise in flight dynamics systems designed to operate fleet of space vehicles, in particular maneuver design, conjunction response / collision avoidance, and orbit maintenance

• Experience developing and fielding production flight dynamics software

• Experience in one or more of the following: Java, Python, JavaScript, C, or C++

• Experience with Agile software development processes

• Understanding of and experience with modern software development practices

• Knowledge of software defined networking (VPC, Subnets, Firewalls, VPNs, etc.)

• Knowledge of containerization technologies (such as Docker) and orchestration platforms (such as Kubernetes)

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field

• Experience with flight dynamics software tools (for ex. MONTE, GMAT, STK)

• Former experience as a flight dynamics operator of complex system

• Experience in cloud infrastructure deployment and software orchestration

• Experience in one or more of the following:

  • Space mission flight operations
  • Mission analysis, flight planning and timeline development
  • Operational fault management

• Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners

• First principles knowledge of all major spacecraft subsystems, in particular Electric Propulsion

• Familiarity with ground-based satellite navigation and statistical orbit determination processes, including radiometric and GPS

• Experience with requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation

• Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

• Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA

• Familiarity with version control, preferably Git

• Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill

• Experience working in a technical training environment for engineers

• Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment

Base Pay Range for: VA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55 WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55

Other 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, 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.