Blue Origin

Satellite Test Operations Lead - TeraWave

Blue Origin$156K — $219K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of hands-on experience with satellite ground support equipment and test interfaces
  • Working knowledge of satellite subsystems related to power, thermal, propulsion, and avionics
  • Strong leadership skills to effectively manage technical teams across multiple disciplines
  • Proven experience developing and executing system-level test procedures
  • Willingness to accommodate flexible working hours during critical testing phases
  • Familiarity with configuration and test data management practices
  • Eligible U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Satellite Integration and Test Operations, defining mechanical test plans, procedures, and executing environmental tests
  • Coordinate with subsystem leads to establish test requirements and coverage
  • Facilitate test readiness reviews and anomaly discussions during the integration process
  • Track and resolve anomalies with subsystem engineers
  • Manage and mentor a team of test engineers and technicians
  • Identify necessary Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for test campaigns
  • Drive improvements in testing procedures focusing on automation and scalability
  • Plan and execute comprehensive environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum and vibration tests
  • Communicate test status, risks, and readiness to leadership
  • Evaluate new test technologies and tools for implementation in production testing.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan with a 5% company match
  • PTO includes up to four weeks per year and up to 14 paid holidays
  • Access to stock options for regular employees working over 20 hours/week
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage
  • Educational support program available.
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Lead Satellite Integration and Test Operations, including defining mechanical test plans, test flow, plans, and procedures and execution of environmental tests.


  • Coordinate with subsystem leads (Electrical, Structural, Thermal, Propulsion, RF, GN&C) to define test requirements, interface definitions, and overall test coverage


  • Lead test readiness reviews (TRRs), anomaly review boards, and test disposition meetings throughout the I&T flow


  • Own anomaly tracking and drive closure with subsystem Responsible Engineers


  • Manage and mentor a team of test engineers and technicians supporting factory I&T operations


  • Identify Mechanical Ground Support Equipment needed to execute the Terawave Test Campaign.


  • Drive development and continuous improvement of satellite-level test procedures with emphasis on automation, repeatability, and production scalability


  • Interface with manufacturing, systems engineering, and mission operations to ensure cohesive test requirements and flow


  • Plan and execute environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustic, and EMI/EMC testing


  • Communicate I&T status, risks, and milestone readiness to program leadership


  • Evaluate emerging test technologies and automation tools for applicability to the satellite production test program


  • Support cleanroom and ESD-controlled integration activities in accordance with contamination control requirements


Minimum Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with satellite ground support equipment (EGSE), test interfaces, and test data acquisition systems


  • Working knowledge of satellite subsystems including power, thermal, propulsion, attitude control, communications, and avionics


  • Proven ability to lead technical teams and coordinate across disciplines in a fast-paced development environment


  • Experience defining and executing test procedures from system-level specifications and requirements


  • Ability to work flexible hours during critical integration and test campaigns


  • Familiarity with configuration management processes and test data management practices

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field


  • Experience with high-volume or production satellite I&T operations


  • Experience integrating and testing RF payloads or communication subsystems (signal generators, spectrum analyzers, channel emulators)


  • Familiarity with cleanroom operations, ESD control, and contamination control requirements for satellite integration


  • Knowledge of environmental qualification standards (MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016,NASA GEVS, ECSS) and acceptance test philosophies


  • Experience supporting FMEA, hazard analysis, or safety reviews in an I&T environment


  • Previous lead or management experience within a test or integration organization


  • Experience with automated test frameworks and data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, etc.)


  • Familiarity with spacecraft flight software integration and verification in a system-level test environment


Base Pay Range for:
CO applicants is $144,179.00 - $201,849.90WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

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.
  • 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.


About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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