Director Software Development Jobs in Seattle, WA

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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!

We are seeking a Director of Software Development to lead the engineering efforts for our TeraWave SDN and Beam Planning team, building the central nervous system of our next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.

This role will be instrumental in delivering the software that dynamically manages multi-terabit traffic flows, optimizes RF beam resources, and orchestrates a complex topology of inter-satellite laser links and ground-based gateways across the TeraWave program.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Software Defined Networking, wireless physics, and large-scale distributed systems, thriving in a high-impact environment where technical excellence meets mission-critical execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Drive the architecture and delivery of a custom SDN controller capable of managing a highly dynamic LEO topology where network links change every few milliseconds
• Oversee the development of sophisticated beam planning algorithms that optimize phased-array antenna resources, frequency reuse, and power constraints to meet global demand
• Design and deliver software to manage complex laser inter-satellite links and gateway handoffs, ensuring seamless connectivity as satellites move at orbital speeds
• Own the software stack for the ground segment, including integration with Points of Presence, core fiber networks, and the orchestration of global gateway stations
• Build the observability, telemetry, and automated remediation tools required to operate a global constellation with five-nines reliability
• Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing engineering organization, fostering a culture of technical excellence, rapid iteration, and operational rigor
• Partner with hardware, RF, and mission-planning teams to define software-hardware interfaces and influence the long-term roadmap of the TeraWave initiative

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years managing managers or leading large engineering organizations
• Proven track record in building and operating large-scale networking systems
• Deep knowledge of L2/L3 protocols (BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, MPLS) and SDN principles
• Direct experience with LEO constellation dynamics, including orbital mechanics, ISL management, and gateway handoff logic
• Understanding of RF network planning, link budgets, interference mitigation, and beam-steering technologies
• Experience designing distributed systems that manage real-time state across geographically and orbitally dispersed nodes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience managing 24/7 Network Operations Centers or building automated NetOps platforms for Tier-1 ISPs or cloud providers
• Familiarity with free-space optical communications and laser terminal topology optimization
• Experience with high-fidelity network simulators used for capacity planning and orbital scenario modeling
• Proven ability to build and scale engineering teams in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

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.