New

Senior Manager - Optical Payload Systems

Blue Origin
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, California, Los Angeles
21650 West Oxnard Street (Show on map)
Feb 14, 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 128 satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. As a Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems, you will lead a team of engineers responsible for the design, development, integration, and production of advanced optical communication payloads for the TeraWave constellation. You will influence the team's contribution to the broader optical payload strategy while ensuring technical excellence, schedule adherence, and cost efficiency. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise in spacecraft systems, complex payloads, and high-reliability electronics, combined with strong leadership and program management skills. Special Mentions: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Travel expectations: Up to 25% travel may be required for integration activities, launch campaigns, and customer/vendor meetings. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Lead and manage a team of engineers focused on optical payload system design, development, production, and maintenance for the TeraWave constellation. Oversee the development of optical payload architectures that enable high-speed, reliable inter-satellite links and ground communications. Drive the technical direction for optical payload systems, ensuring alignment with program requirements, performance targets, and schedule milestones. Manage personnel, including hiring, workload planning, performance evaluations, and mentorship/development of staff. Develop and implement processes at the business unit level to improve efficiency. Coordinate with program management teams to manage plans and schedules related to optical payload design, integration, and testing to ensure correct execution and on-time delivery. Provide engineering support to development and production activities, capturing feedback, offering technical direction, and implementing improvements. Assist in design configuration development and trade studies, offering technical guidance for hardware integration and installation. Identify opportunities for operational cost and schedule improvements while maintaining high quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems, electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, materials and process, and global supply chain. Maintain the team's good spirit and focus, and drive necessary updates and changes to designs and tools. Support critical path management, planning, execution, and risk management. Apply technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact the TeraWave mission. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. 7+ years of experience in spacecraft systems, electro-optical systems, or advanced electronics hardware design. 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams or as main focal for specific projects. Experience with product lifecycle management systems (e.g., Windchill). Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electronic product development processes. Background in technology research and development for space applications. Demonstrated project planning and management skills. Experience with configuration management and product lifecycle management. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across systems, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and test disciplines. Excellent communication and leadership skills. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Experience with optical communications systems, electro-optical payloads, or related technologies. Experience with spacecraft mechanical systems and high-reliability electronics hardware design. Knowledge of manufacturing execution systems for space hardware production. Experience with environmental testing and qualification of space hardware. Experience with computer-aided design tools such as PTC Creo. Experience with supplier selection and management for critical space hardware components. Knowledge of process development and optimization in a space hardware environment. Eligibility for a DoD Top Secret (TS) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearances. Why Blue Origin: At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Manager of Optical Payload Systems, you will play a crucial role in developing revolutionary communication technologies that will expand humanity's presence in space. You'll work with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration and utilization. Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $150,743.00 - $211,039.50 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.