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Blue Origin · 13 hours ago

Senior Photonics Systems Architect

Reston, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$157K/yr - $220K/yr

7+ years exp

Blue Origin is focused on developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems for the benefit of Earth. The Senior Photonics Systems Architect will own the end-to-end modem photonics architecture for a space laser communication terminal, defining and integrating the optical chain to deliver high-reliability optical links.

AerospaceManufacturingNational SecurityRenewable Energy

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Define requirements, own optical link budgets and conduct architecture trade studies for space laser communication modem photonics

Architect and select narrow-linewidth lasers, electro-optic modulators and bias control, optical amplifiers, optical filters/WDM, polarization management, isolators, and coherent/Direct-Detect receiver front-ends

Allocate optical, electrical, thermal, and radiation margins; define interfaces to DSP/modem electronics, drivers/TIAs, power, and thermal/mechanical teams

Lead make/buy decisions and guide supplier selection, qualification, and performance management for critical photonic components

Establish redundancy and reliability strategies appropriate for spaceflight

Lead breadboard and brassboard development to de-risk architecture choices and mature to flight design

Define and execute verification and validation plans, including optical performance (OSNR, linewidth, RIN, extinction ratio, EVM/BER), stability, and latency

Analyze test data to characterize impairments (e.g., phase noise, SBS/thermal effects) and drive corrective actions

Validate system performance through environmental test (TVAC, vibration, shock, and radiation considerations) and ensure compliance to requirements

Maintain rigorous documentation of requirements, designs, ICDs, procedures, and results; contribute to FMEAs and design reviews

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (DSP/software, RF/electronics, optics, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain) to achieve design-for-manufacture and design-for-test

Qualification

Photonics systemsLaser communicationOptical engineeringSystem characterizationEnvironmental testingData analysisMATLABPythonCollaborationCommunication skillsProject management

Required

Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering roles supporting complex systems such as lasers, optics, electronics, or aerospace hardware, with at least 3 years in lead/architect roles

Demonstrated experience with photonics systems involving fiber-based electro‑optic modulators and optical receivers

In-depth knowledge of lasers and photonics (e.g., narrow-linewidth lasers, photodiodes, nonlinear optics, fiber components/assembly, and laser system fabrication)

Experience developing functional specifications, verification plans, and functional test procedures for optical communication systems

Proficiency in system characterization, environmental testing, and data analysis for photonic subsystems

Ability to communicate complex technical information to broad audiences and collaborate across disciplines to drive decisions

MS degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience

Preferred

10+ years of experience in lasers/optics/electronics/aerospace hardware with 5+ years in lead architect roles

Expertise in high data rate optical communications, including advanced modulation, DSP interfaces, and coherent reception techniques

Direct experience deploying systems in spaceflight environments and qualifying photonic hardware for launch and on-orbit operation

Hands-on experience with test frameworks and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with LabVIEW). Experience with optical system simulation tools (e.g., VPIphotonics, OptiSystem, or similar) is a plus

Experience with Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFM/DFA), fiber handling/assembly, contamination control, and process improvement in production environments

PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics/Optical Sciences, or a related field