Principal Technical Program Manager - Optical Payload Systems

Application close date:

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's Emerging Systems business unit is building TeraWave, a satellite communications constellation powered by the most advanced optical communications architecture ever attempted: thousands of optically interconnected satellites delivering symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth, providing enterprise and hyperscale customers with resilient, scalable connectivity for critical operations where terrestrial infrastructure cannot reach.

This role reports to the Director of Optical Communications. You will lead a team of Senior TPMs and own program strategy and execution across optical systems, electronics, software, integration and test, and manufacturing. This is a high-autonomy role for someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves fast, and has the technical depth to earn credibility with world-class engineers.

Special Mentions:

Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Travel: approximately 15-20%

Responsibilities:

• Lead resolution of complex, ambiguous, cross-functional challenges by synthesizing technical, operational, and business perspectives into clear recommendations and decision memos for senior leadership up to the CEO.
• Establish and drive cross-business-unit coordination mechanisms to align TeraWave optical payload initiatives with broader Blue Origin goals, priorities, and dependencies.
• Build strategic relationships across Blue Origin leadership; advocate for program needs, secure resources and decisions, and establish credibility as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders.
• Partner with leadership to translate vision into strategies, roadmaps, and aggressive schedules; own end-to-end program execution across multiple product variants from early development through EVT, DVT, PVT, and production ramp, removing barriers across teams through proactive coordination and servant leadership.
• Identify and eliminate systemic bottlenecks by establishing scalable processes, mechanisms, tools, and reporting that enable teams to execute with speed and predictability.
• Embed customer and mission focus into program decision frameworks; ensure tradeoffs and prioritization consistently reflect end-user and operational impact.
• Lead and develop a team of Senior TPMs; set the standard for strategic thinking, execution rigor, and accountability across the program management function.
• Build an understanding of the payload technical requirements, interfaces, and dependencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years in technical program management or systems/program leadership in high-volume hardware or complex product development environments.
• Experience managing high-volume commercial product programs with hardware, electronics, software, and systems integration content through development and into production at scale; familiarity with EVT, DVT, and PVT hardware maturity cycles.
• Experience managing complex supply chains and vendor programs at production scale.
• Experience with agile development methods and hybrid hardware/software program execution.
• Track record of building scalable mechanisms and improving organizational effectiveness in fast-paced technical organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the strategic level; translating ambiguous challenges into structured plans, building executive-ready narratives, and influencing decisions across organizational boundaries.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in technical program management or systems/program leadership.
• Experience leading and managing a team of program managers or technical program managers.
• Experience in constellation-scale space programs.
• Advanced degree in engineering, physics, or systems engineering.

Compensation Range for:

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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.