Senior Director – Silicon Systems & Software

Blue Origin•San Francisco, CA 94102, US• Full Time

Posted 1 hour ago• Software

Compensation

$272,109–$380,952/year

Job Description

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 Systems Division, supporting our revolutionary TeraWave satellite communications network.

This role will be instrumental in establishing the system architecture and software development for the custom ASICs we design for our constellation designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally. The leader will oversee two core pillars: Silicon Systems Architecture (RF systems, DSP, and communications systems engineering) and Embedded & Application Software (embedded software and 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.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Define and implement silicon system architecture and software engineering standards and methodologies to ensure delivery of high-quality, integrated solutions across the custom ASICs

Serve as the leader ensuring silicon system architectures and associated software effectively align with business and mission requirements across the TeraWave program

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

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

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 for embedded and communications systems

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.

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.
Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
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 at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.