Principal Electro-Optics Engineer – Optical Inter-Satellite Link

BLUE ORIGIN

. Lead electrical architecture for Optical Inter-Satellite Link terminal electronics .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $173,466 - $242,851 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in FPGA-based signal processing, high-speed electrical design, and radiation-hardened electronics for space applications. Proficient in leading technical efforts, mentoring engineers, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful project execution.

Highest-signal resume keywords

FPGA Design Using VHDL Or VerilogHigh-Speed Electrical DesignRadiation-Hardened Electronics DesignSignal Integrity AnalysisPCB Design Tools Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

FPGA DevelopmentMixed-Signal Circuit DesignHigh-Speed Interfaces DesignTransimpedance Amplifiers DesignModulation UnderstandingForward Error CorrectionTiming RecoverySynchronizationRadiation Effects MitigationRoot-Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoring

Tools & Technologies

MATLABModelSimVivadoHSPICEADS

Certifications & Qualifications

Active TS/SCI Clearance

Industry Keywords

Optical Inter-Satellite LinkCCSDS Optical Communication StandardsSpace-Qualified Electronics DesignHigh-Reliability Thermal-Vacuum EnvironmentsClassified National Security Space Programs

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DACTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead electrical architecture for Optical Inter-Satellite Link terminal electronics
Design FPGA-based signal processing for FEC, framing/deframing, CDR, data-frame recovery, LDPC, and modem control
Architect high-speed interfaces including SerDes, JESD204B/C, LVDS, and PCIe
Develop timing and synchronization architectures for coherent detection, PAT control loops, and inter-satellite link coordination
Design GHz-class high-speed analog and mixed-signal circuits, including TIAs, laser drivers, and RF/optical mixing stages
Support radiation-hardened and radiation-tolerant electronics design for beyond-LEO environments
Own signal integrity, power integrity, and EMI/EMC analysis
Collaborate with optical, firmware, systems, and flight software engineers
Lead FPGA verification and validation using MATLAB, ModelSim, Vivado, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and on-orbit characterization
Support classified PDR, CDR, and TRR design reviews and interface with government customers and technical authorities
Mentor junior and mid-level electrical and FPGA engineers
Support environmental qualification, integration and test, and anomaly resolution during on-orbit operations
Interface with government and commercial customers and partners on technical reviews
Perform root-cause analysis for hardware and software issues
Stay current with OISL technologies, SDA Transport Layer, CCSDS optical communication standards, and industry best practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
10+ years of experience in high-speed electrical design, FPGA development, or mixed-signal circuit design
Strong hands-on experience with FPGA design using VHDL or Verilog
Experience with Xilinx/AMD or equivalent radiation-tolerant FPGA platforms
Expertise in SerDes, high-speed ADC/DAC interfaces, clock distribution, and signal integrity analysis
Experience designing transimpedance amplifiers, laser driver circuits, or high-speed photodetector readout electronics
Understanding of modulation, forward error correction, timing recovery, and synchronization
Proficiency with PCB design tools and HSPICE, ADS, Vivado, or ModelSim
Experience with space-qualified electronics design and radiation effects mitigation, including SEE and TID
Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain one
U.S. citizenship required
Strong communication skills and experience leading technical efforts within classified program environments
Preferred: direct experience with classified national security space programs
Preferred: 15+ years of relevant experience
Preferred: coherent optical communication systems and associated electronics
Preferred: CCSDS optical link standards and DoD interoperability requirements
Preferred: radiation-effects mitigation techniques
Preferred: electronics design for space, aviation, or high-reliability thermal-vacuum environments
Preferred: high-speed Ethernet switch architectures, network processors, and PHY technologies
Preferred: precision timing systems
Preferred: production hardware, DFM/DFT, supply chain coordination, and yield optimization
Preferred: hands-on TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing
Required U.S. employment authorization as a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, refugee, or asylee

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, and company results