Senior Optical Amplifier Engineer - In-Space Systems

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!

We are seeking a Senior Optical Amplifier Engineer. As a key leader, you will shape the communication strategy, architecture, and execution of Blue Ring's mission operations from concept through on-orbit activities. Your leadership will set the standard for in-space operations, supporting new capabilities and a growing range of customer missions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead development of high power and low noise amplifiers for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) applications.
• Develop proof of concept fiber amplifier designs for cutting edge communications systems.
• Support the design, fabrication, test, and characterization of prototype hardware.
• Work with members of an interdisciplinary team to regarding thermal engineering, packaging, and automation of fiber amplifiers.
• Interface with Supply Chain to identify suppliers for specialty components and support cost optimization.
• Conducts analysis and trade studies.
• Communicate technical updates to cross-functional teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in optics, photonics, and optical communications development projects.
• Experience in design and simulation of high power and low noise optical amplifiers using Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) technology.
• Experience deploying dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) solutions for fiber optic communications systems.
• Knowledge of non-linear optical processes such as four-wave mixing, self-mixing, and stimulate Brillouin scattering.
• Experience with and knowledge of optical fiber, including polarization maintaining optical fiber.
• Knowledge of gain flattening filters for fiber amplifiers and channel balancing techniques.
• Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX, or other software tools.
• Experience with high-power lasers for defense or aerospace applications.
• MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware).
• Experience in design and simulation of high power and low noise optical amplifiers using Erbium-Ytterbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier (EYDFA) technology.
• Previous experience implementing gain flattening filters in fiber amplifiers.
• Experience with Free-Space Optics applications.
• Previous experience in the aerospace industry.
• Detailed knowledge of part selection for space applications.
• Experience in leading or supporting technical teams through multiple successful product deliveries.
• Knowledge of and experience with electro-optic modulators and receivers a plus.
• PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

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, 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.

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.

• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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