Sr. Flight Dynamics System Software Architect – 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.

As part of a small, hardworking, and accomplished team of Mission Systems and Flight Operations Engineers, you will work closely with space vehicle and ground subsystem teams, leading and performing flight and operations development tasks throughout the full system lifecycle. You will share in the team’s impact on all aspects of the mission operations concept, mission analysis and planning, flight planning, ground data systems, and tools used to operate the TeraWave satellites.

You will enjoy a fast-paced dynamic environment, contributing innovative solutions, while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence, and attention to detail. This position will directly impact the history of space and will require your dedicated commitment and detailed attention.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact TeraWave. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Refine software architecture and lead software implementation of flight dynamics capabilities for a cutting-edge satellite management system, capable of operating a large constellation of satellites with a small team.
- Guide the development and implementation of mission operation software and ground system infrastructure in the AWS Cloud.
- Lead the Flight Dynamics System software build automation, continuous integration, configuration management, verification, and deployment.
- Assist the operations team in creating operations products (procedures, documentation etc.) that support the flight dynamics aspects of mission operations, including interfaces between Command & Control, Mission Planning and Ground Station Antenna Systems.
- Develop and integrate software components, including performing unit-level and system-level tests as part of the Ground System Verification & Validation process.
- Manage a complex variety of needs, constraints, and tasks from mission stakeholders, including engineers representing spacecraft systems, ground software engineers, flight operations, customers, and program management
- Support mission control software operations responsibilities (maintenance, flaw correction, improvements) during operator training; ground data system verification, validation, and certification; spacecraft integration; and flight.
- Collaborate with the training team to plan training simulations and other training activities
- Support mission operations

Minimum Qualifications

- B.S. in computer science, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related technical field
- Expertise in flight dynamics systems designed to operate fleet of space vehicles, in particular maneuver design, conjunction response / collision avoidance, and orbit maintenance
- Experience developing and fielding production flight dynamics software
- Experience in one or more of the following: Java, Python, JavaScript, C, or C++
- Experience with Agile software development processes
- Understanding of and experience with modern software development practices
- Knowledge of software defined networking (VPC, Subnets, Firewalls, VPNs, etc.)
- Knowledge of containerization technologies (such as Docker) and orchestration platforms (such as Kubernetes)

Preferred Qualifications

- M.S. in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, physics or related technical field
- Experience with flight dynamics software tools (for ex. MONTE, GMAT, STK)
- Former experience as a flight dynamics operator of complex system
- Experience in cloud infrastructure deployment and software orchestration
- Experience in one or more of the following:

- Space mission flight operations
- Mission analysis, flight planning and timeline development
- Operational fault management

- Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners
- First principles knowledge of all major spacecraft subsystems, in particular Electric Propulsion
- Familiarity with ground-based satellite navigation and statistical orbit determination processes, including radiometric and GPS
- Experience with requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation
- Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
- Experience with collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA
- Familiarity with version control, preferably Git
- Experience with configuration and product data management tools, preferably Windchill
- Experience working in a technical training environment for engineers
- Strong understanding of the principles and methods of engineering complex systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment

Base Pay Range for:
VA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55
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.

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