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Principal Architect, System Integration & Test Verified today

Blue Origin · Seattle, WA · Production · first seen 2026-10-15
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About the Role

Blue Origin is building TeraWave, a multi-thousand-satellite communications constellation delivering symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps worldwide. As Principal Architect for System Integration & Test, you will design and drive the system-level test program that validates TeraWave's complete hardware and software system working together across development, system qualification, and production testing.

You will work hands-on building test procedures, designing test facilities, debugging integration issues in the lab, and running tests alongside the team. This role sits within the Chief Systems Architecture office and works closely with vehicle, payload, ground, and network teams.

Responsibilities

  • Design and maintain system-level integration and test architecture across the full program lifecycle, from development and system validation through factory integration
  • Design progressive integrated test environments from isolated link-level testing through fully integrated configurations incorporating satellites alongside emulations of network and mission operations systems
  • Ensure system-level test coverage is complete at hardware-software interfaces and across organizational boundaries, working directly with vehicle, ground, payload, and network integration owners
  • Define and execute end-to-end test scenarios across RF and optical link domains, including link performance, fault response, operational mode transitions, and space-to-ground link validation
  • Drive requirements and specifications for major test infrastructure including anechoic chambers, thermal vacuum and thermal cycling systems, RF signal simulators, hardware-in-the-loop rigs, and link emulation capabilities
  • Partner with the TeraWave team to integrate system-level tests into CI/CD pipelines for continuous automated validation
  • Define acceptance test requirements and procedures for production cadence, working with payload, satellite bus, and network teams
  • Support FCC-required radiating tests in collaboration with responsible teams, contributing system-level test perspective for regulatory compliance

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent technical field; master's degree preferred
  • 8+ years of experience in system integration and test for spacecraft, satellite, or complex communications systems, with experience across both hardware and software domains
  • Direct experience with satellite systems and test infrastructure for validating RF or optical communications links, including link budget validation, end-to-end signal chain testing, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Experience defining and executing system-level test programs spanning development, validation, qualification, and acceptance testing phases
  • Familiarity with CI/CD principles and experience integrating hardware and software validation into automated test pipelines
  • Sufficient familiarity with network communications standards and protocols to define end-to-end integration test scenarios in collaboration with network engineering teams
  • Demonstrated ability to work across organizational boundaries, aligning hardware and software teams around shared test standards and interface validation requirements
  • Strong verbal, written, and graphical communication skills

Desired Qualifications

  • 12+ years of experience in system integration and test for satellite or complex communications programs, including LEO constellation programs
  • Experience with optical communications link testing including free-space optical terminal validation and atmospheric or link emulation approaches
  • Experience with ground terminal integration and test, including space-to-ground link performance validation and ground-side hardware and software interfaces
  • Familiarity with FCC-required radiating test processes and regulatory compliance context for satellite communications systems
  • Experience sizing and specifying major test infrastructure including anechoic chambers, thermal test systems, RF signal simulators, and hardware-in-the-loop environments
  • Familiarity with factory acceptance test design for satellite production at scale, including test automation, data management, and anomaly resolution processes

Compensation and Location

Base pay range for WA applicants: $230,773.00 to $323,081.85. Other site ranges may differ. Relocation provided. Travel expected up to 15% of the time.

Employment Requirements

Applicants 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.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
  • Paid parental leave, short and long-term disability
  • 401(k) with company match of 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 and up to 14 company-paid holidays
  • Performance bonuses may be eligible based on role type and job level