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Ground Data Systems Engineer III Verified today

Blue Origin · 3 Locations · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-03
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This role is part of Blue National Security, focused on design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. You will report to the In-Space Systems, Ground Data Systems Lead.

As a Ground Data Systems Engineer III, you will work with Ground System, Software, Mission Systems, and Flight Operations Engineers. You will perform RF and communications development, testing, and deployment across space and ground boundaries through the full system lifecycle. You own and maintain technical capabilities crucial to space-to-ground operations of spacecraft with a range of concepts of operations.

Responsibilities

  • Identify, derive, develop, and maintain Ground Data Systems requirements, including traceability and verification and validation approaches.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including flight vehicle systems, ground software, Integration and Test, and external vendors and ground station providers.
  • Develop and refine ground data system and communications architectures across a broad set of mission requirements.
  • Define and maintain ground data system interface requirements and control documents, such as Space Vehicle to Ground Network interfaces.
  • Plan, perform, and document requirement verification and validation for Ground Data Systems.
  • Plan and perform frequent Ground Data Systems product update cycles, integration and test activities, and validation exercises leading to production software releases.
  • Support initiatives to improve Mission Systems and Flight Operations engineering and other functional processes and tools.
  • Perform analysis to ensure operability across the Space-Ground System, and support efforts to improve operability where justified.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical field.
  • 5+ years of technical experience developing Space-to-Ground Communications systems and their ground systems.
  • 5+ years of technical experience in the Communications domain, spanning the complete OSI stack, including transport protocols and standards (including CCSDS), and application protocol definition.
  • Experience developing communications link budgets to predict link closure and data rates.
  • Proficiency with communication standards and protocols including modulation formats and channel coding (e.g., DVB-S2/X, Ka/S/X bands).
  • Experience with ranging systems, including CCSDS regenerative and transparent ranging, PN ranging codes.
  • Experience with Type 1 encryption and other secure communication technologies.
  • Experience with computer networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.).
  • Proficiency in a scripting language, preferably Python.
  • Ability to create and understand Satellite Tool Kit (STK) simulations with RF link analysis reports.
  • Experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems.
  • Experience with integrating with ground network providers.
  • Experience with instrumentation and Hardware/Software based Ground Modems (e.g., Amergint, Kratos).
  • Experience in a complex system lifecycle: requirement definition, design, implementation, integration, verification, and validation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to travel in support of test and flight operations.
  • Ability to earn trust and maintain positive and professional relationships.
  • 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.

Desired Qualifications

  • M.S. in a related technical field.
  • Experience in space communication systems, particularly those geared towards Lunar, CisLunar or deep-space missions.
  • Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners.
  • First principles knowledge of major spacecraft subsystems including Avionics, TT&C and/or RF Communications.
  • Experience with requirements management tools, preferably DOORS Next Generation.
  • Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA, and version control like Git.
  • Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill.

Compensation

Base Pay Range: VA applicants $130,706.00 to $182,987.70; CO applicants $119,814.00 to $167,738.55. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance.
  • Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability.
  • 401(k) with company match up to 5%.
  • Education Support Program.
  • Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
  • Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Bonus eligibility dependent on role type and job level (not guaranteed, subject to change).