Optical Design Engineer III - In-Space Systems

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!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

We are seeking an Optical Design Engineer III. As a product owner, you will shape the future of laser communication systems from concept through on-orbit activities. This role encompasses the development of a core optical subsystem, 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 customer missions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop optical assemblies for space and ground optical communications systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and trade-off analyses for optical system designs.
• Creates CAD models of free-space optical communications and Pointing, Acquisition, & Tracking (PAT) systems.
• Works with mechanical engineering staff to ensure optical systems are robust and can withstand thermal variations during launch and operation in space.
• Support the design, fabrication, test, and characterization of hardware.
• Work with members of an interdisciplinary team regarding PAT, thermal engineering, packaging, and automation of optical communications terminals.
• Create, maintain, and own technical budgets including but not limited to optical losses, wavefront distortions, SWaP, and pointing error.
• Interface with Supply Chain to identify suppliers for specialty components and support cost optimization.
• Play a meaningful role in Design for Manufacturability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, or a related area of study
• 5+ years of experience in optics, optical engineering, laser technology
• Extensive experience in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, etc.
• Experience developing or managing integrated performance of optical systems including understanding of optical loss and throughput budgets, wavefront error, Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and precision pointing in space environments
• Experience with establishing manufacturing and alignment tolerances for opto-mechanical systems
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.
• Extensive experience in designing optical systems for space applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in optical engineering, physics, or related areas of study with a focus on optical sensors / instruments
• Previous experience in free-space optical communications systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of electro-optical-mechanical payloads designed for space environments and space vehicle interfaces.
• Previous experience in the design of adaptive optics systems a plus.
• Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with government and commercial partners.
• Developing subsystem- and component-level specifications, interfaces, and statements of work.

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85;CO applicants is $116,323.00-$162,851.85;WA applicants is $126,898.00-$177,656.85

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

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• 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.

• 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.

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