Technical Program Manager, Optical Payload Software – TeraWave

Job description

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! 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 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. Technical Program Manager, Optical Payload Software – TeraWave About the Role Blue Origin's TeraWave program is developing cutting-edge free-space optical communication terminals to enable high-bandwidth connectivity for enterprise and government customers. We are seeking a Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead the software development effort for optical payload and ground terminals, from initial concept through delivery. This role requires a unique combination of software program management expertise and sufficient technical depth in optical and photonic systems to drive effective cross-functional execution. Responsibilities Program Management • Own end-to-end planning, scheduling, and execution for optical payload software development, initially focused on flight software and expanding to manufacturing test software as the program matures • Define and maintain integrated master schedules (IMS), identifying the critical path and managing dependencies across software, hardware, and systems teams • Track program milestones, deliverables, risks, and issues, driving resolution with urgency • Manage budgets, resource allocation, and forecasting across the software development effort • Lead program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.) and executive-level status reporting Technical Leadership • Serve as the technical integrator across software, optical, mechanical, and electrical disciplines • Drive architecture trades, design decisions, and requirements decomposition for payload software • Identify technical risks early and lead mitigation planning • Translate complex engineering challenges into actionable program decisions • Partner with systems engineering to ensure terminal performance requirements and manufacturing test software requirements are met Cross-Functional Coordination • Align stakeholders across software engineering, systems engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, test, and operations • Coordinate with hardware teams and systems-level teams to ensure software integration compatibility • Communicate program status clearly to leadership and customers Qualifications Required • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, optical engineering, physics, or a related field • 8+ years of experience in software or hardware development programs • 3+ years in a TPM, program management, or systems engineering leadership role • Demonstrated experience managing complex software development programs through the full lifecycle, from concept through production • Working knowledge of optical systems (free-space optics, fiber optics, photonics, or similar) and their manufacturing test requirements • Proficiency with scheduling tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Preferred • Experience with laser communication terminals, lidar, or electro-optical systems • Background in space, aerospace, or defense software and hardware development • PMP certification or equivalent • Experience with agile or hybrid development methodologies Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 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, 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 o