Senior Modem Communications Engineer

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 diverse 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 development, manufacturing, and operation of satellite systems to address one of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space mobility. As part of a hardworking team of diverse specialists, technicians, and engineers, the Modem Communications Engineer will play a critical role in the development and integration of our state-of-the-art Optical Modem enabling flexible high-data rate deep space optical communication links. Your expertise will ensure the seamless integration of complex functions such as waveform generation, modulation/demodulation, signal processing, and signal amplification.

• Relocation provided

• Travel expected up to 10% of the time

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the development from design to test and release of the Optical Modem

• Lead the development of photonics and digital signal processing subsystems

• Own the internal and external interfaces between optical, electrical, and high-speed data subsystems.

• Collaborate with avionics, power, and specialty engineering teams to ensure system-wide compatibility and performance.

• Work with DSP teams to perform HDL resource assessment for the optimized use of FPGA(s).

• Develop high level architecture to manage the modem state, local control loops, datapath, and housekeeping at the board level.

• Oversee the digital processing aspects, including framing, interleaving, DSP blocks, and precision time transfer protocols.

• Oversee the software design and development for the modem device configuration, command, health & status, and datapath.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Sciences, or related fields.

• Understanding of high-speed digital and analog circuitry and experience with FPGA-based system design.

• Experience interfacing with complex electronics, such as high-speed data buses and real-time processing hardware within an integrated electronics environment.

• Expertise in Software Defined Radios (SDRs) or digital signal processing, specifically in modulation and demodulation techniques suitable for lasercom, such as DPSK and BPSK modes.

• US citizenship required and eligibility to obtain a US government security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Domain-specific knowledge in optical communications with a focus on modem subsystem development.

• Experience with photonic integrated circuits, high-power optical amplifiers, and low-noise amplifiers for space-based systems.

• Experience with Tx/Rx laser sources and amplitude or phase control components.

• Working knowledge of industry-standard communication protocols including Ethernet, IEEE 1588, and NTP v.4.

• Experience directing efforts in collaboration with cross-functional teams for up-screening and qualification of commercial-grade parts for use in space environments.

• Hands-on experience with prototyping and development of photonic systems.

• Familiarity with space hardware testing standards and practices for communication systems.

• Current Top Secret or TS/SCI Security clearance preferred.

Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $156,911-$219,674

Compensation range for on site CO applicants is $144,278-$201,989

Other site ranges may differ

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

Inclusivity 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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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.

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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, 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 "EEO Is the Law," 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 at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

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