Senior Photonics Engineer

BLUE ORIGIN

. Lead optical architecture for Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) terminals supporting a classified beyond-LEO mission .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $156,802 - $219,522 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and validating photonic systems for aerospace applications, with a strong focus on optical communication links and environmental reliability. Proficient in optical simulation tools and experienced in compliance with industry standards for spaceflight.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Optical Architecture LeadershipPhotonics System DesignOptical Simulation Tools ProficiencyEnvironmental Qualification TestingFMEA/FMECA Support

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Photonics EngineeringFiber Optic ComponentsLaser SystemsOptical Communication LinksPhotodetectorsIntegrated Photonic CircuitsEnvironmental Reliability AnalysisLink Budget AnalysisRadiation Effects MitigationDesign Specifications Authoring

Soft Skills

Mentoring Junior EngineersCross-Functional CollaborationTechnical Documentation

Tools & Technologies

ZemaxCOMSOLOptiSystemTest Plans DevelopmentConfiguration Management

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringSpaceflight EnvironmentsNASA StandardsMIL-STD ComplianceBeyond LEO CommunicationCCSDS Optical Link StandardsDoD Interoperability Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead optical architecture for Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) terminals supporting a classified beyond-LEO mission
Design, develop, and validate fiber optic and photonic-based avionics systems, including optical communication links and laser-based systems
Lead architecture and integration of photonic components into Blue Ring’s avionics suite
Design space-grade photonic subsystems tolerant of radiation, thermal cycling, and vacuum environments
Perform optical and photonic system modeling, link budget analysis, and performance trade studies
Conduct environmental and reliability analysis of photonic components
Develop and execute test plans for photonic hardware qualification and acceptance testing
Support FMEA/FMECA and fault tree analysis for photonic avionics subsystems
Work cross-functionally with navigation, GNC, RF/communications, structures, and systems engineering teams
Interface with suppliers and vendors to select and qualify photonic components for spaceflight
Support CDR, PDR, and other milestone reviews with technical documentation and presentations
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical growth
Author and maintain design specifications, ICDs, test procedures, and verification reports
Ensure designs comply with applicable NASA, MIL-STD, and Blue Origin standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or related technical field
7+ years of hands-on experience in photonics or electro-optical systems engineering
Demonstrated experience with fiber optic components, laser systems, photodetectors, or integrated photonic circuits
Experience designing systems for aerospace or spaceflight environments, including vibration, thermal, and radiation conditions
Proficiency with optical simulation tools such as Zemax, COMSOL, OptiSystem, or equivalent
Familiarity with requirements development, verification and validation, and configuration management
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
U.S. citizenship or national status, U.S. permanent residency, or lawful admission to the U.S. as a refugee or person granted asylum
Direct experience with classified national security space programs preferred
8+ years of relevant experience preferred
Experience with coherent optical communication systems and associated photonics preferred
Familiarity with CCSDS optical link standards and DoD interoperability requirements for Beyond LEO/GEO communication architectures preferred
Experience with radiation effects on electronics, including SEE, TID, and displacement damage, and mitigation techniques preferred
Experience designing photonics for space, aviation, or other high-reliability thermal-vacuum environments preferred
Background in production hardware, including DFM/DFT practices, supply chain coordination, and yield optimization preferred
Hands-on environmental qualification testing, including TVAC, vibration, and EMI/EMC, preferred
Required Blue’s Standard Background Check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation provided
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%
Education Support Program
Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
Up to four (4) weeks of Paid Time Off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, and other factors