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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Wireless Software Engineer - MAC Layer - TeraWave - **Company:** Blue Origin - **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $248,830.0 - $348,362.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** 4G (Telecommunication), Biometrics, C++ (Programming Language), Protocol Stack, Linux, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Hardware Design, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Wireless Networks, State Machines, Information Technology, Medium Access Control (MAC) - **Published:** July 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17706144?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17706144%2FSenior-Wireless-Software-Engineer-Mac-Layer-Terawave-California-San-Francisco ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field * 7+ years of professional software development experience in wireless networking or embedded systems * Mastery of C and C++ in Linux real-time (RTOS) or high-performance user-space environments * Deep understanding of wireless MAC fundamentals, including framing, contention versus scheduled access, flow control, and QoS prioritization * Demonstrated experience with the full lifecycle of a wireless protocol stack, from architectural design through hardware integration and field testing, * Previous work on custom MAC or link layers for satellite constellations, 3GPP/4G/5G, or similar non-terrestrial network programs * Experience with user-space networking frameworks such as DPDK, VPP, or eBPF for line-rate packet processing * Proficiency in building or using network simulators such as ns-3 to model protocol performance under various orbital conditions * Familiarity with interfacing software with FPGAs or custom SoC accelerators for hardware-accelerated MAC functions ## Description 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 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. As a Senior Wireless Software Engineer for Spacecraft Systems, you will lead the design and implementation of a custom Media Access Control (MAC) layer for Blue Origin's groundbreaking TeraWave initiative. You will build the logic that governs how satellites communicate with each other and with the ground, creating a system that matches or exceeds the custom protocols seen in leading commercial constellations. This is not a standard wireless implementation role-in the TeraWave network, the MAC layer is the core intelligence of the system. This role requires close collaboration with PHY layer engineers and network architects to ensure the custom wireless stack delivers wire-like performance over space-based links, while addressing the unique challenges of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environments. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Architect and implement high-performance, low-overhead MAC protocols tailored for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint satellite links within the TeraWave constellation * Develop sophisticated TDMA and demand-assigned multiple access (DAMA) schedulers to manage bandwidth across thousands of beams with microsecond precision * Implement robust error control, retransmission (ARQ), and adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) logic capable of reacting instantly to fading conditions and orbital transitions * Build software logic for seamless make-before-break handovers between satellites and ground stations operating in high-velocity orbital environments * Optimize the interface between the wireless MAC layer and high-speed packet processing engines such as DPDK and VPP, ensuring zero-copy data paths and minimal jitter * Design MAC layer architectures for constellation-scale deployments, ensuring efficient performance as the TeraWave network grows to thousands of satellites * Collaborate with PHY layer engineers and network architects to align custom wireless stack design with system-level TeraWave performance requirements * Drive technical decision-making related to MAC layer architecture, including framing strategies, contention versus scheduled access models, flow control, and QoS prioritization frameworks * Lead MAC protocol development through the full lifecycle, from custom state machine design and simulation through hardware integration and field testing, 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, 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 ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Biometric Phone Chargers, $40m Domain Names & AI Movies Winning Awards - Peter Kröner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1810-biometric-phone-chargers-40m-domain-names-ai-movies-winning-awards-peter-kroner) - [gRPC Load Balancing Deep Dive](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1576-grpc-load-balancing-deep-dive) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [One AI API to Power Them All](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1601-one-ai-api-to-power-them-all) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - What Development and Tattoos Have in Common and more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1380-wearedevelopers-live-what-development-and-tattoos-have-in-common-and-more) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How Much FAANG Companies Actually Pay Software Engineers in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/230-how-much-faang-companies-actually-pay-software-engineers-in-2025) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies in Europe](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/162-highest-paying-tech-companies-in-europe) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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