Principal Software Engineer: Intra-Satellite Networking & Platforms - TeraWave

As a Principal Software Engineer for TeraWave, you will serve as the technical cornerstone for the "nervous system" of Blue Origin's next-generation global satellite constellation, designed to provide high-bandwidth, ultra-low-latency connectivity across the globe.

You will own the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software across multiple product nodes and hardware platforms.

This high-visibility role bridges the gap between hardware and software, requiring you to define technical strategies that align with ASIC, FPGA, and Systems Architecture teams to deliver a high-capacity, low-latency space-based network operating within the unique constraints of high-velocity orbital dynamics, rapidly changing topologies, and extreme speed-of-light limitations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Define the technical roadmap for intra-satellite data plane networking and platform software stacks
• Lead the design and implementation of kernel-level networking subsystems, network switch/ASIC programming, and Hardware Abstraction Layers (HAL)
• Drive architectural decisions through Design Review Boards, ensuring alignment with ground systems, manufacturing, and systems architecture
• Define test strategies and develop foundation software for pre-integration and hardware bring-up phases
• Troubleshoot low-level software and platform-specific Board Support Packages (BSPs) to diagnose root causes of system malfunctions or performance deviations
• Solve complex issues in FPGA stability and system design to ensure a reliable global software-defined network
• Deliver high-throughput, scalable end-to-end data plane networking solutions to internal and external customers
• Develop real-time networking solutions for resource-constrained edge and embedded environments
• Ensure hardware configurations meet specific end-user use cases across client platforms
• Scale the engineering organization by recruiting and hiring top-tier engineering talent
• Mentor senior engineers and guide teams through rigorous code and design reviews
• Collaborate with internal teams across Intra-sat Networking, Platform Software, Radio Software, and Integration & Test
• Partner with MAC Software, FPGA, Hardware/ASIC, Systems Architecture, and Manufacturing teams to drive cross-functional alignment
• Represent technical programs and initiatives to Design Review Boards and Principal Engineering leadership, 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

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related STEM discipline
• 15+ years of professional software development experience
• Expert-level development proficiency in C, C++, or Python

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep expertise in UDP, TCP/IP, and Layer 2 protocols including RSTP, Link Aggregation, and QCN
• Advanced knowledge of Quality of Service (QoS) in high-performance networked systems
• Experience with network switch and ASIC programming
• Experience with Linux kernel-level networking and Board Support Packages (BSPs)
• Proven track record in hardware/software co-design working alongside FPGA and ASIC teams
• Hands-on experience with ARM or x86 processors in embedded, real-time environments
• Deep understanding of testing, CI/CD pipelines, and continuous monitoring in dynamic production environments
• Experience identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in distributed systems
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across Software, Hardware, and Systems Architecture organizations
• Exceptional analytical skills and a creative approach to solving ambiguous technical constraints

• 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.