Senior Embedded Software Engineer - TeraWave Customer Terminals Verified today

About TeraWave

Blue Origin is developing TeraWave, a multi-orbit satellite communications network delivering symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. The constellation consists of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO).

Role Overview

You will design, develop, and optimize firmware for next-generation satellite user terminals. Working at the intersection of hardware and software, you will build robust bare-metal or RTOS-based firmware to control high-speed communication systems and complex RF hardware.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and implement modular, highly reliable embedded C/C++ firmware for resource-constrained microcontrollers, FPGAs, or SoCs.
• Write low-level software to program, calibrate, and dynamically update phase registers across hundreds of Beamforming ICs (BFICs) to achieve microsecond-level electronic beam steering.
• Write and debug low-level peripheral drivers (SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, Ethernet) to interface with transceivers, RF front-ends, and baseband processors.
• Optimize embedded networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, VLAN) to ensure ultra-low latency and maximum data throughput between the satellite network and local user gateways.
• Implement real-time thermal throttling algorithms, power-saving states, and automated fault-protection logic to keep high-power density electronics operating safely in extreme outdoor conditions.
• Develop secure bootloaders, cryptographic verification systems, and highly resilient over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software development, specifically working on high-speed communications, radar, networking, or aerospace hardware.
• Expert-level proficiency in modern C and C++ for embedded systems.
• Deep experience working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or VxWorks, and/or Embedded Linux.
• Strong ability to read complex electrical schematics, utilize datasheets, and use lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG debuggers) to isolate hardware vs. software issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience writing software to control phased array antennas, digital beamformers, or direct-RF sampling transceivers.
• Experience configuring custom Embedded Linux distributions and cross-compiling toolchains using Yocto Project or Buildroot.
• Familiarity with hardware-based security features, including TPM, TrustZone, hardware acceleration engines, and secure enclave integration.
• Experience setting up automated Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing environments and continuous integration pipelines for firmware verification.
• Experience with satellite communications systems, space-based networks, or telecommunications.
• Experience with IP, networking, and communications protocols including BGP, MPLS, SRv6, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, IPv6, voice, and video.
• Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV).
• Understanding of networking over constrained links and optimization techniques.
• Experience with formal verification methods for safety-critical software.

Compensation and Location

Base pay range for CA and WA applicants: $197,529.00 - $276,539.55. Other site ranges may differ.

Employment Terms

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background check required for all positions.

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/week.
• Paid time off: up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Bonus eligibility dependent on role type and job level.