Flight Software Engineer - Payload Interfaces - Terawave

Flight Software Engineer Specializing In Payload Software

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 team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

As a Flight Software Engineer specializing in Payload Software at Blue Origin, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining critical software systems that control and manage payloads for our space missions. Your work will directly impact the functionality, reliability, and success of Blue Origin's payload systems, contributing to our mission of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Software Development & Integration

• Design, develop, test, and maintain flight software applications with a focus on payload systems and interfaces
• Create and implement software requirements, architecture, and design for safety-critical, real-time embedded software systems
• Develop software for payload control, data handling, and communication systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to integrate payload software with vehicle systems

Testing & Validation

• Participate in software verification and validation activities to ensure compliance with mission requirements
• Debug and resolve software issues through rigorous testing and analysis
• Support integration and testing of payload systems with launch vehicles and orbital platforms

Documentation & Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain documentation for software design, testing, and operation
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes and tools
• Participate in technical reviews and design meetings to ensure software meets mission requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 3+ years of experience in embedded software development for aerospace or similar high-reliability applications
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems
• Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded software development tools
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle and configuration management practices
• Understanding of communication protocols (e.g., CAN, SPI, I2C, Ethernet)
• Experience with software testing methodologies and tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with flight software development for spacecraft or launch vehicles
• Knowledge of payload systems and interfaces for space applications
• Experience with FPGA programming and hardware/software integration
• Familiarity with DO-178B/C software development standards
• Experience with model-based development tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink)
• Knowledge of spacecraft command and data handling systems
• Experience with Linux-based embedded systems
• Understanding of space environment constraints on software design
• Experience with Blue Origin systems or similar commercial space platforms

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As a Flight Software Engineer for Payload Software, you'll play a crucial role in developing the software that controls and manages critical payload systems for our space missions, directly contributing to our mission of building a road to space for the benefit of Earth.

We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.