Principal Software Engineer: Intra-Satellite Networking & Platforms - TeraWave

Application close date:

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!  

As a Principal Software Engineer for TeraWave, you will serve as the technical cornerstone for the "nervous system" of Blue Origin's next-generation global satellite constellation, designed to provide high-bandwidth, ultra-low-latency connectivity across the globe.

You will own the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software across multiple product nodes and hardware platforms.

This high-visibility role bridges the gap between hardware and software, requiring you to define technical strategies that align with ASIC, FPGA, and Systems Architecture teams to deliver a high-capacity, low-latency space-based network operating within the unique constraints of high-velocity orbital dynamics, rapidly changing topologies, and extreme speed-of-light limitations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Define the technical roadmap for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software stacks
• Lead the design and implementation of kernel-level networking subsystems, network switch/ASIC programming, and Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL)
• Drive architectural decisions through Design Review Boards, ensuring alignment with ground systems, manufacturing, and systems architecture
• Define test strategies and develop foundation software for pre-integration and hardware bring-up phases
• Troubleshoot low-level software and platform-specific Board Support Packages (BSPs) to diagnose root causes of system malfunctions or performance deviations
• Solve complex issues in FPGA stability and system design to ensure a reliable global software-defined network
• Deliver high-throughput, scalable end-to-end data plane networking solutions to internal and external customers
• Develop real-time networking solutions for resource-constrained edge and embedded environments
• Ensure hardware configurations meet specific end-user use cases across client platforms
• Scale the engineering organization by recruiting and hiring top-tier engineering talent
• Mentor senior engineers and guide teams through rigorous code and design reviews
• Collaborate with internal teams across Intra-sat Networking, Platform Software, Radio Software, and Integration & Test
• Partner with MAC Software, FPGA, Hardware/ASIC, Systems Architecture, and Manufacturing teams to drive cross-functional alignment
• Represent technical programs and initiatives to Design Review Boards and Principal Engineering leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline
• 15+ years of professional software development experience
• Expert-level development proficiency in C, C++, or Python

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in UDP, TCP/IP, and Layer 2 protocols including RSTP, Link Aggregation, and QCN
• Advanced knowledge of Quality of Service (QoS) in high-performance networked systems
• Experience with network switch and ASIC programming
• Experience with Linux kernel-level networking and Board Support Packages (BSPs)
• Proven track record in hardware/software co-design working alongside FPGA and ASIC teams
• Hands-on experience with ARM or x86 processors in embedded, real-time environments
• Deep understanding of testing, CI/CD pipelines, and continuous monitoring in dynamic production environments
• Experience identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in distributed systems
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across Software, Hardware, and Systems Architecture organizations
• Exceptional analytical skills and a creative approach to solving ambiguous technical constraints

Compensation Range for:

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 (CDL drivers only), 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

• Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.