Principal Optical Communications Architect

We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role that sits at the intersection of advanced technology development and strategic mission planning. Serve as the principal technical authority for space-based optical communications (lasercomm) architecture within the Blue National Security Business Unit.Lead the architectural design and development of free-space optical (FSO) communications systems, conducting comprehensive analysis of alternatives to determine optimal design choices and system configurations.Perform detailed trade studies, simulations, and prototyping efforts to verify design approaches and de-risk key technology items across the full system lifecycle — from formulation and development through AI&T and on-orbit operations.Define and develop end-to-end optical communications system architectures, including space-to-space (OISL), space-to-ground, and ground-to-space link configurations across LEO, MEO, GEO, and cislunar regimes.Develop deep, subsystem-level expertise in optical communications terminal (OCT) design, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, optical telescopes, laser sources, and high-rate modems.Define spacecraft accommodation requirements for optical terminals, including field-of-regard analysis, thermal management, structural integration, power, and EMI/EMC interface requirements.Establish and maintain link budgets, error analyses, and end-to-end performance models to validate system designs and support mission planning.Evaluate civil, commercial, and national security optical communications architectures to inform Blue Origin's strategic positioning and technology roadmap.Work closely with internal and external customers to define capabilities needed to meet mission objectives, and support related strategy development, including go-to-market planning for optical communications systems.Identify and mitigate "make or break" technical risks through rigorous analysis and validation of flight-like hardware, and evaluate manufacturability and producibility of novel components such as low-cost telescopes and lasercomm terminals.Collaborate with program managers, systems engineers, and business development teams to translate technical capabilities into compelling proposals and customer solutions.Engage with government customers, program offices, and industry partners to understand mission requirements and shape future optical communications programs.Author and review technical documents, white papers, trade studies, and proposals related to optical communications systems.Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers across the organization, and represent Blue Origin at technical conferences, industry forums, and government engagements. 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. 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].

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