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Principal Optical Communications Architect Verified today

Blue Origin · 2 Locations · RF & Comms · first seen 2026-10-20
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Principal Optical Communications Architect

As a Principal Optical Communications Architect within Blue Origin's National Security Business Unit, you will serve as senior technical authority shaping the future of space-based optical communications. You will bring deep expertise in free-space optical (FSO) communications from end-to-end system architecture to terminal subsystem level, and apply that expertise across civil, commercial, and national security domains.

This is a high-impact role at the intersection of advanced technology development and strategic mission planning. You will work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities, conduct rigorous analysis of alternatives, and de-risk technologies through simulation, trade studies, and prototyping.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as principal technical authority for space-based optical communications architecture within Blue National Security Business Unit
  • Lead architectural design and development of free-space optical communications systems, conducting comprehensive analysis of alternatives
  • Perform detailed trade studies, simulations, and prototyping to verify design approaches and de-risk key technology items across full system lifecycle
  • Define and develop end-to-end optical communications system architectures, including space-to-space (OISL), space-to-ground, and ground-to-space link configurations across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes
  • Develop deep subsystem-level expertise in optical communications terminal (OCT) design, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, optical telescopes, laser sources, and high-rate modems
  • Define spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field-of-regard analysis, thermal management, structural integration, power, and EMI/EMC interface requirements
  • Establish and maintain link budgets, error analyses, and end-to-end performance models to validate system designs and support mission planning
  • Evaluate civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures to inform Blue Origin's strategic positioning and technology roadmap
  • Work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities and support strategy development, including go-to-market planning for optical communications systems
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks through rigorous analysis and validation of flight-like hardware
  • Evaluate manufacturability and producibility of novel components such as low-cost telescopes and lasercomm terminals
  • Collaborate with program managers, systems engineers, and business development teams to translate technical capabilities into proposals and customer solutions
  • Engage with government customers, program offices, and industry partners to understand mission requirements and shape future optical communications programs
  • Author and review technical documents, white papers, trade studies, and proposals
  • Provide technical mentorship to engineers and represent Blue Origin at technical conferences and government engagements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline
  • 12+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in space-based optical communications systems with demonstrated expertise in lasercomm terminal design and end-to-end system architecture
  • Deep, subsystem-level knowledge of free-space optical (FSO) communications terminal design, including PAT systems, optical apertures, laser sources, and high-rate modems
  • Demonstrated experience defining spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field-of-regard, thermal, structural, and interface constraints
  • Proficiency in optical link budget analysis and end-to-end performance modeling across multiple orbital regimes
  • Experience across multiple lifecycle phases of space systems development, including formulation, prototyping, manufacturing, AI&T, and on-orbit operations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to conduct detailed trade studies and risk assessments
  • Familiarity with civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures and programs
  • Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
  • 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

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Direct experience supporting or leading optical communications programs for DoD, NRO, USSF, or NASA customers
  • Experience with payload accommodation strategies and influencing satellite bus designs
  • Familiarity with SDA (Space Development Agency) transport layer optical terminal standards and OISL interoperability requirements
  • Experience with coherent optical communications systems and advanced modulation formats (e.g., DPSK, BPSK)
  • Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence effects on ground-to-space optical links and associated mitigation techniques (e.g., adaptive optics, aperture averaging)
  • Experience with constellation analysis, optimization, and systems of systems architecture development
  • Proven track record contributing to competitive government proposals or business capture efforts
  • Experience presenting at SPIE, AIAA, or equivalent technical conferences on optical communications topics

Compensation

  • VA applicants: $169,624.00 to $237,473.25
  • CO applicants: $160,618.00 to $224,864.85
  • Other site ranges may differ

Special Mentions

  • Relocation assistance available
  • Up to 25% travel required
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. An active clearance is strongly preferred.

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 (20+ hours/week)
  • Paid time off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays
  • Performance bonuses based on role type and job level (not guaranteed)