New

Principal Optical Transport Network Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Virginia, Reston
Feb 07, 2026
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! 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. We are seeking a Senior Optical Transport Network Engineer. You will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through on-orbit activities. This role encompasses the comprehensive development of the product line, from initial prototyping to production, ensuring technical rigor and operational success. Your leadership will set the standard for new capabilities and a growing range of Blue Origin capabilities. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance may be available for this position Travel expectations: Up to 15% travel may be required for supplier visits, technical reviews, and field testing Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Network Architecture & Development Develop proof of concept optical networks for data transfer solutions Be a leader in the development of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems for in-space applications Define transport architecture, requirements, and performance budgets Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing Work with network architects and designers to help define system data transfer concepts Technical Implementation & Testing Support the design, test, and characterization of prototype systems Support the test and characterization of COTS optical transceivers Work with members of an interdisciplinary team to deploy DWDM systems in terrestrial and spaceflight environments Work with mechanical engineering and thermal engineering staff to qualify hardware for spaceflight Play a meaningful role in Design for Manufacturability Technical Leadership & Documentation Interface with Supply Chain to identify suppliers for specialty components and support cost optimization Conduct analysis and trade studies Author ICDs, ConOps, and commissioning plans Participate in system design reviews, and lead subsystem and subassembly design reviews Communicate technical updates to cross-functional teams Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware) A minimum of 7 years of experience focused on Optical Transport Network (OTN) engineering and/or network engineering Experience deploying Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) equipment for fiber optic communications systems Experience in the configuration of 100G to 400G+ QSFP, CFP2-DCO transceivers, OSFP or similar Experience in the configuration of muxponder equipment Knowledge of OpenZR+, OpenROADM, and IEEE 802.3 standards Extensive knowledge of ethernet networking technology Experience in automation using Python, Ansible, or similar tools Experience with Ethernet traffic generation and analysis tools such as IxNetwork, Xena Valkyrie, or similar Prior experience with SNMP and Network Management Tools Strong understanding of optical physics and transmission principles Knowledge of optical performance metrics (OSNR, dispersion, latency) Ability to interpret optical specifications and design requirements Experience with fiber characterization and testing equipment Knowledge of advanced packet switching technologies such as MPLS Knowledge of routing technologies such as OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or related field Preferred Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems (e.g., lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware) Previous experience in aerospace deploying hardware for spaceflight applications which has undergone relevant environmental testing campaigns Previous experience in the aerospace industry deploying spaceflight hardware Knowledge of network program architectures such as SRV6 and contact graph routing Experience in leading or supporting technical teams through multiple successful product deliveries Experience with Linux operating systems Knowledge of and experience with electro-optic modulators and receivers Extensive experience in automation Experience designing dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) solutions for fiber optic communications systems Previous experience with EDFA, EYDFA, or other types of fiber amplifier equipment MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics, or related field Why Blue Origin: 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 Senior Optical Transport Network Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in developing the advanced optical communication networks that will enable high-speed data transfer in space, 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. Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85 WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. California Applicant Privacy Notice If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.