46 Senior Lead Software Engineer jobs in Seattle

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.

About This Role

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to join the Software Engineering team supporting TeraWave in the Greater Seattle Area. In this role, you build the foundational platform infrastructure, the operating nervous system, deployed across TeraWave satellites, user terminals, and gateways. This position focuses on embedded Linux and low-level platform infrastructure, spanning fleet management, operating-system services, hardware integration, security, observability, and networking performance. You will shape reliable, high-performance systems that operate aboard LEO satellites. Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design core Linux platform infrastructure, including process management, custom initialization systems, and inter-process communication frameworks.
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel modules and device drivers to support custom hardware and platform requirements.
• Modify kernel subsystems to improve scheduling, memory management, and I/O performance for embedded satellite systems.
• Work with silicon, electrical, and RF teams to bring up hardware prototypes and optimize kernels for custom SoCs.
• Debug system-level performance issues, minimize context switching, and tune the networking stack for satellite links.
• Implement secure boot, runtime security monitoring, and hardware-backed credential management across embedded platforms.
• Own the complete software lifecycle from architecture and development through deployment aboard LEO satellites.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM discipline, or 10+ years software development experience.
• At least 8 years of C or C++ experience in Linux or embedded environments.
• Deep Linux kernel knowledge, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging.
• Experience with system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF.
• Experience with Buildroot, Yocto, Bazel, or comparable build systems.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Infrastructure experience supporting large distributed systems or device fleets at scale.
• Proficiency with Rust or Python for systems tooling and automation.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, Linux networking, and custom routing protocols.
• Experience with mission-critical aerospace, automotive, medical, or similarly high-reliability systems.
Ability to troubleshoot down to assembly code and hardware-level diagnostics.

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $248,830.00 - $348,361.65

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, 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.

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.