Blue Origin

Senior Software Engineer, Ground Systems

Blue Origin$197K — $276K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 8+ years of software development experience in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
  • Experience developing external-facing APIs for data delivery.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) and DevSecOps practices.
  • Experience with space mission ground systems or spacecraft operations.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols used in space (e.g., CCSDS, DTN, Bundle Protocol).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative team spirit.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain software for user services including DTN implementation.
  • Build and evolve ground system software interfaces for Mars relay users and Earth services.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers to translate requirements into software designs.
  • Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance for reliability.
  • Implement ground system interfaces compliant with relevant standards for civil space missions.
  • Engage with stakeholders on software interface design and integration.
  • Document software architecture and support handoff to operations teams.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, and short/long-term disability.
  • 401(k) with company match up to 5%.
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week.
  • Paid time off: Up to four weeks annually and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Education Support Program to enhance professional development.
Full Job Description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

Blue Origin is helping extend humanity's reach across the solar system by developing NASA’s Mars Telecommunications Network (MTN) – a relay communications infrastructure designed to provide reliable, high-availability data services between Mars-based users and Earth in support of NASA's civil exploration and science objectives. MTN delivers relay-as-a-service to orbiters, landers, rovers, and future crewed assets, bridging the deep space link through an integrated end-to-end ground system.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will play a meaningful role in the design, development, integration, and operation of the end-to-end ground architecture that connects Mars users to Earth-based services. This includes significant definition and development of user and payload facing software and system interfaces. This role will help architect Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN), customer data routing, and the external Application Programming Interface (APIs) that delivers data to users. You will help architect and mature the systems that make deep space communications dependable across significant light-time delays and long-duration operations.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to quality to positively impact one of the most ambitious civil space missions of our time. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Design, develop, and maintain software for the user services layer, including DTN implementation, customer data routing, and external APIs for payload data delivery.
  • Build and evolve ground system software interfaces connecting Mars relay users, the relay network, and Earth-based services.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers and mission partners to translate requirements into robust software designs and implementations.
  • Develop automated tests, perform integration testing, and tune performance to ensure reliable operation across deep space light-time delays.
  • Implement ground system interfaces conforming to applicable standards (e.g., CCSDS, DTN Bundle Protocol) for civil deep space missions.
  • Engage with external stakeholders including NASA, mission partners, and Mars user teams on software interface design and integration.
  • Document software architecture, interfaces, and operational procedures; support deployment and handoff to operations teams.
  • Mentor peers on software engineering best practices including scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of software development experience, with production code in Python, Java, C++, or similar languages.
  • Experience developing and maintaining external-facing APIs for data delivery.
  • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS or Azure) and DevSecOps practices.
  • Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
  • Experience with space mission ground systems, spacecraft operations, or a related domain.
  • Familiarity with communications protocols used in space applications (e.g., CCSDS, DTN, Bundle Protocol).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a wide audience.
  • Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
  • 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience developing software for NASA civil space programs or integrating with U.S. Government agency missions (e.g., NASA, JPL).
  • Hands-on implementation experience with DTN and delay/disruption-tolerant architectures.
  • Experience with Mars Relay Operations Service (MaROS) or comparable relay planning systems.
  • Experience with spacecraft subsystem software or onboard flight software.
  • Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS Next Generation (DNG).

Base Pay Range for:

VA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55 CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35 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.


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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