Principal Software Engineer – TeraWave Vehicle Platforms (Infrastructure)

Application close date:

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!  

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Vehicle Platforms team for our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network.

This role will be instrumental in designing and building the foundational platform infrastructure—the "nervous system"—that runs across our entire fleet of Satellites, User Terminals, and Gateways, ensuring reliable, secure, and performant operations in the most demanding environments imaginable.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Linux-based embedded systems, full-lifecycle software ownership, and the drive to operate with high autonomy in a fast-paced environment where foundational engineering meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and implement core Linux-based platform infrastructure, including process management, custom init systems, and robust IPC frameworks
• Lead the architecture for global image management and Over-the-Air (OTA) update systems, ensuring a multi-thousand-vehicle fleet can be updated safely, frequently, and with zero downtime
• Build high-throughput, low-overhead logging and telemetry pipelines capable of reporting health and performance metrics from edge devices to ground-based data centers
• Partner closely with Silicon, Electrical, and RF Engineering teams to bring up new hardware prototypes and optimize the Linux kernel and drivers for custom SoC designs
• Debug and optimize system-level performance bottlenecks, including minimizing context switches and tuning the networking stack for high-frequency satellite links
• Implement secure boot flows, runtime security monitoring, and hardware-backed credential management for all vehicle components
• Own the full software lifecycle from initial design through deployment on satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field; or 10+ years of professional software development experience
• 8+ years of experience with C or C++ in a Linux or embedded environment
• Deep proficiency with the Linux kernel, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF
• Experience with build systems such as Buildroot, Yocto, or Bazel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience building infrastructure for large-scale distributed systems or device fleets
• Proficiency in Rust or Python for systems-level tooling and automation
• Strong understanding of the Linux networking stack (TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet) and custom routing protocols
• Experience developing software for mission-critical systems in aerospace, automotive, or medical industries where failure is not an option
• First-principles engineering mindset with comfort analyzing assembly code or hardware-level diagnostics when solving complex problems

Compensation Range for:

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

• Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.