Blue Origin

Software Engineer, Ground Systems - Blue Ring

Blue Origin$150K — $211K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or similar field.
  • 5+ years of software development experience with 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 communications protocols for space applications (e.g., CCSDS, DTN).
  • Strong problem-solving skills in a collaborative team environment.
  • Effective communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain user services layer software, including DTN implementation and APIs.
  • Evolve ground system interfaces that connect Mars user networks to Earth-based services.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers to translate requirements into software designs.
  • Conduct automated and integration testing to ensure reliable operation in deep space conditions.
  • Implement interfaces following standards applicable to civil deep space missions.
  • Engage with external stakeholders on software interface design and integration.
  • Document architecture and operational procedures; support deployment and transition to operations.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including life insurance options.
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability coverage.
  • 401(k) plan with company match up to 5%.
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
  • Paid time off of up to four weeks annually plus 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Education Support Program to assist with personal development.
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

Description:

Blue Origin is helping extend humanity's reach across the solar system through the development of deep space communications infrastructure designed to strengthen the communications backbone at Mars and support NASA's long-term civil exploration and science objectives. This infrastructure will serve 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 Interfaces (APIs) that deliver 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:
  • 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.
  • 5+ 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.


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 $164,652.00 - $230,512.80CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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.

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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