New

Optomechanical Engineer - PAT Systems - TeraWave

Blue Origin
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, California, San Francisco
Feb 07, 2026
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! This role is part of TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. The Emerging Systems business unit at 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 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. At Blue Origin, we are seeking an experienced Optomechanical Engineer to join our Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and assembling complete optical setups, developing test software, performing precise optical alignments, collecting and analyzing data, and documenting test procedures for advanced optical systems. The ideal candidate combines hands-on optical laboratory experience with software development skills to support our cutting-edge PAT research and development efforts. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance may be available for this position Travel expectations: Up to 50% travel may be required to support testing and integration activities at various Blue Origin facilities Responsibilities include but are not limited to: System Integration & Testing Integrate precision optical components with mechanical assemblies and electronics subsystems to create functional PAT test platforms Engineer and construct sophisticated optical bench configurations with high alignment precision requirements Develop and implement comprehensive test software suites to validate PAT subsystem performance metrics, including pointing accuracy, acquisition sensor sensitivity, and tracking stability Execute rigorous experimental protocols and conduct statistical analysis of system performance data Documentation & Collaboration Author detailed technical documentation including test procedures, analysis methodologies, and performance reports Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of optical designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and software developers to resolve complex technical challenges Facilitate the transition of proven PAT technologies from R&D environment to production implementation Laboratory Management Maintain laboratory equipment, optical components, and test systems to ensure measurement integrity and repeatability Support the design and development of optical systems for Blue Ring and other In-Space Systems projects Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field Demonstrated experience building and assembling optical setups in laboratory environments Knowledge of optical equipment including lasers, detectors, imaging systems, and optical alignment tools Experience with laboratory test equipment (oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, etc.) Knowledge of programming for test automation and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar) Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent documentation and technical writing abilities Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field Experience with pointing, acquisition and tracking systems Knowledge of optical communication systems Familiarity with opto-mechanical design tools (Zemax, Code V, SolidWorks, etc.) Experience with system integration and testing in aerospace applications Background in data visualization and statistical analysis Experience with space-qualified optical systems Knowledge of free-space optical communications technology Understanding of spacecraft attitude control systems and their interaction with optical payloads Why Blue Origin: At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As an Optomechanical Engineer on our PAT team, you'll be at the forefront of developing critical technologies for space communications and infrastructure, directly contributing to Blue Origin's mission of enabling a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70 WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70 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. 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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. California Applicant Privacy Notice If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.