Senior Optical Design Engineer - In-Space Systems

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!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today : space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

We are seeking a Senior Optical Design Engineer . As a key leader, you will shape the communication strategy, architecture, and execution of Blue Ring's mission operations from concept through on-orbit activities. Your leadership will set the standard for in-space operations, supporting new capabilities and a growing range of customer missions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Develop optical assemblies for space and ground optical communications systems.

Conduct feasibility studies and trade-off analyses for optical system designs.

Creates CAD models of free-space optical communications and Pointing, Acquisition, & Tracking (PAT) systems.

Works with mechanical engineering staff to ensure optical systems are robust and can withstand thermal variations during launch and operation in space.

Support the design, fabrication, test, and characterization of hardware.

Work with members of an interdisciplinary team regarding PAT, thermal engineering, packaging, and automation of optical communications terminals.

Create, maintain, and own technical budgets including but not limited to optical losses, wavefront distortions, SWaP, and pointing error.

Interface with Supply Chain to identify suppliers for specialty components and support cost optimization.

Play a meaningful role in Design for Manufacturability.

Guide the design, development, assembly, performance verification, and fielding.

Minimum Qualifications :

A minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware), with at least 3 years in lead engineer roles.

Extensive experience in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, etc.

Demonstrated understanding of electro-optical-mechanical payloads designed for space environments and space vehicle interfaces.

Experience developing or managing integrated performance of optical systems including understanding of optical loss and throughput budgets, wavefront error, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and precision pointing in space environments

Experience with establishing manufacturing and alignment tolerances for opto-mechanical systems

Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.

Extensive experience in designing optical systems for space applications.

MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications :

15 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware), with at least 5 years in lead engineer roles.

Previous experience in free-space optical communications systems.

Solid understanding of free-space laser communications and optical beam-pointing control.

Proven leadership of technical projects involving innovative space-based optical systems.

Experience modeling optical systems with STK.

Previous experience in the design of adaptive optics systems a plus.

Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with government and commercial partners.

Developing subsystem- and component-level specifications, interfaces, and statements of work.

PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Compensation Range for :

CA applicants is $152,235.00-$213,127.95;CO applicants is $139,979.00-$195,969.90;WA applicants is $152,235.00-$213,127.95

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 (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 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.

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 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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