Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
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.The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to revolutionize space-based connectivity anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of thousands of optically interconnected satellitestoprovideenterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.
As Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will lead a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers responsible for designing the telescope and optical assemblies at the heart of the TeraWave OISL payload.The team you leadwill own theopticaldesign from concept throughfirst build andensure a smooth transition to high-volume production. This role demands technicalexpertisein precision optical systems combined with the leadership skills to drive a focused, high-performing team.
Special Mentions
Location: Seattle, WA area
Relocationassistanceavailable for qualified candidates
Travel expectations: Up to 15% for supplier visits, integration activities, and internal reviews
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead and manage a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers through the full design lifecycle, from concept through EVT and DVT
Own the technical direction for telescope assemblies and optical light path design for the TeraWave OISL payload
Drive detailed opto-mechanical design and STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance) analysisprocessesto meet performance requirements across the mission environment
Lead the NPI process, ensuring designs are well-documented, producible at high volume, and ready for a successful handoff to the production team
Manage personnel including hiring, workload planning, performance reviews, and career development
Partner with systems, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure alignment across the program
Support sustaining engineeringbyproviding design documentation and lessons learned to the production team
Identifyand manage technical risks, drive design trades, and make clear recommendations to program leadership
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of experience in optical system design, with hands-onexpertisein telescope or beam director architectures
3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or serving as a technical lead on optical hardware programs
Experience with opto-mechanical design and STOP analysis for space or high-reliability environments
Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
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 Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
Experience with 10cm-class telescope design for space or airborne platforms
Background in lasercom, OISL, or free-space optical communication systems
Experience with NPI processes and design-for-manufacturability in a high-volume optical manufacturing environment
Experience carrying optical hardware through environmental qualification (thermal-vac, vibration, shock)
Why Blue Origin:At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will play a crucial role in developing the precision optical technologies that makeTeraWave'srevolutionary space-based communications network possible.You'llwork with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andutilization.
Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $183,807.00 - $257,328.75Other 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.
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.
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