Senior Director – Silicon Systems & Software
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!
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.We are seeking a Senior Director of Silicon Systems & Software to lead the end-to-end architecture and development of silicon systems and software within the Silicon SystemsDivision, supporting our revolutionaryTeraWavesatellite communications network.
This role will be instrumental in establishingthesystem architecture and softwaredevelopment for the custom ASICs we designfor our constellation designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6Tbpsglobally. The leader will oversee two core pillars: Silicon Systems Architecture (RF systems, DSP, and communications systems engineering) and Embedded & Application Software (embedded softwareand application software for SoCs).
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in silicon system architecture, DSP and RF systems engineering, and embedded/application software leadership, thriving in a fast-paced environment where bold innovation meets mission-critical execution.
Define and implement silicon system architecture and software engineering standards and methodologies to ensure delivery of high-quality, integrated solutions across thecustom ASICs
Serve as the leader ensuring silicon system architectures and associated software effectively align with business and mission requirements across theTeraWaveprogram
Build and lead high-performing teams across two pillars:
Silicon Systems Architecture: RF systems engineers, DSP engineers, and communications systems engineers
Embedded & Application Software: embedded software engineers (digital beamformer, modem SoC, L1 software) and application software engineers (digital beamformer and modem SoC)
Establish system requirements, interface control documentation, verification and validation strategies, and integration test practices for silicon systems and associated software
Drive the silicon system architecture for custom ASIC and SoC solutions including digital beamformer, modem SoC, and RF front-end, defining algorithms, signal chains, and performance budgets
Lead DSP algorithm development, waveform design, and communications system architecture for modem and beamforming applications
Oversee embedded software development for digital beamformer, modem SoC, and L1 software, ensuring real-time performance, reliability, and scalability
Oversee application software development layered on top of digital beamformer and modem SoC platforms, enabling configuration, control, telemetry, and higher-layer functionality
Collaborate with silicon design, hardware, systems, and operations teams to define cross-domain requirements, allocations, and end-to-end interface agreements
Lead silicon system-level trade studies, architecture reviews, and technical risk assessments spanning RF, DSP, communications systems, and software
Provide technical leadership for architecture decisions spanning silicon systems, DSP/RF, embedded firmware, and application software
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
15+ years of progressive experience in silicon system architecture, RF/DSP systems, communications systems, or embedded/application software
5+ years of experience successfully leading large, multidisciplinary engineering teams spanning hardware-adjacent systems and software
Demonstrated experience architecting silicon systems (ASIC or SoC) from concept through production, with strong grounding in RF, DSP, or modem/beamformer architectures
Proven track record delivering embedded software (firmware, L1, real-time) and application software for complex silicon platforms
Strong background in communications systems design including link analysis, waveform engineering, and RF/DSP systems
Deep understanding of systems engineering fundamentals including requirements management, interface definition, and verification methodology
Outstanding technical leadership, project management, and organizational skills
Experience managing external suppliers, IP vendors, and technology partners
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
Experience with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation development
Background in modem SoC or digital beamformer silicon architecture
Experience architecting L1/PHY software and real-time embedded systems for communications silicon
Experience with application software frameworks for silicon platform configuration, control, and telemetry
Knowledge of satellite communications standards and waveforms
Background in phased array antenna systems, digital beamforming, or advanced modem architectures
Experience with cybersecurity principles forembedded andcommunications systems
Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $272,109.00 - $380,951.55 WA applicants is $272,109.00 - $380,951.55Don’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.
Description
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- 15+ years of progressive experience in silicon system architecture, RF/DSP systems, communications systems, or embedded/application software
- 5+ years of experience successfully leading large, multidisciplinary engineering teams spanning hardware-adjacent systems and software
- Demonstrated experience architecting silicon systems (ASIC or SoC) from concept through production, with strong grounding in RF, DSP, or modem/beamformer architectures
- Proven track record delivering embedded software (firmware, L1, real-time) and application software for complex silicon platforms
- Strong background in communications systems design including link analysis, waveform engineering, and RF/DSP systems
- Deep understanding of systems engineering fundamentals including requirements management, interface definition, and verification methodology
- Outstanding technical leadership, project management, and organizational skills
- Experience managing external suppliers, IP vendors, and technology partners
Compensation Range for
CA applicants is $272,109.00 - $380,951.55 WA applicants is $272,109.00 - $380,951.55
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.
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