Senior Satellite Simulation & Test Software Engineer - TeraWave

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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!

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 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

We are seeking a Satellite Simulation and Test Software Engineer IV/Sr to design, develop, and verify simulation environments and models for testing TeraWave’s satellite flight software subsystem. This role will be instrumental in software validation to support the expansion of TeraWave into a 5,408-vehicle constellation. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer who can think independently and work in collaboration with subject matter experts to build a practical, scalable, flexible simulation environment. This person will have experience with spacecraft command and data handling (C&DH), telecommand and telemetry processing, hardware I/O interfaces, and the physics of spacecraft systems.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Design, develop, and implement simulation software for testing and verifying TeraWave's flight software.
- Collaboration with test team leads to develop a simulation environment that can be deployed on multiple platforms to support software-only test, HWIL test, real-time environment tests, and spacecraft AI&T
- Collaborate with hardware, systems, and autonomy engineers to understand software requirements, interfaces, and behavioral boundaries across subsystems
- Develop and integrate simulation environments and models to test FSW across a range of nominal and off-nominal operational scenarios
- Participate in software integration, verification, and validation testing including software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments
- Background support of on-orbit operations and troubleshooting of deployed spacecraft
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical development

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
- 10+ years of experience in spacecraft software, simulation software, or embedded software development
- Proven experience with architecture and development of simulation environments for flight or embedded systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead the technical architecture of a complex software system
- Understanding of deterministic lockstep simulation design coupling algorithms with representative models, with consideration of synchronization and repeatability
- Some knowledge of GN&C sensor and actuator suite modeling (e.g. IMU, star tracker, magnetometer, reaction wheel assembly, magnetic torque rods)
- Strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python
- Solid understanding of Object-Oriented problem solving and software layering to facilitate modularity and reuse
- Experience with software unit testing frameworks such as Google Test or equivalent for embedded C/C++ environments
- Experience with inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms including sockets, shared memory, message queues, or publish-subscribe middleware
- Experience with software lifecycle, configuration management (Git), CI/CD, and containerized environments
- Experience with verification/validation practices for mission-critical embedded software systems
- Understanding of flight software/hardware interfaces including discrete I/O, TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, I2C, SPI, and RS-422/485
- Familiarity with static analysis tools and flight software coding standards such as MISRA C/C++
- 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.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
- Experience with simulation environments such as NASA’s Trick
- Knowledge of orbital mechanics and propagation models
- Familiarity with CCSDS standards for spacecraft telecommand and telemetry processing
- Some experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as Linux, QNX, VxWorks, RTEMS or equivalent
- Experience with onboard time management, precision timing interfaces, or GPS-disciplined time synchronization
- Familiarity with NASA cFS software architecture
- Familiarity with spacecraft FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Response) concepts

Base Pay Range for:
CA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55
CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35
WA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

- Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
- Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
- Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
- Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits