New

Senior Optics Technician - TeraWave

Blue Origin
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k)
United States, Washington, Seattle
Feb 07, 2026
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! This role is part of TeraWave, a satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This network will service tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users who require reliable connectivity for critical operations. The Emerging Systems business unit at 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 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide. As the lead Senior Optics Technician at Blue Origin, you will be on the front line of building our optical communication payloads. This role executes the hands-on assembly, bonding, and alignment of our precision optical systems in a Class 100/1000 cleanroom. Your expertise and feedback will be critical to refining our manufacturing processes and achieving production goals for our advanced space systems. Special Mentions: Travel expectations: Up to 20% travel may be required for training or specialized testing Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Cleanroom Assembly & Process Execution Perform clean assembly of telescope mirrors, relay optics, polarization components, and detector modules, following travelers and work instructions Execute precision bonding and shimming operations using defined processes and tooling Apply and verify black coatings and manage bakeout processes to meet contamination control requirements Maintain impeccable ISO-class cleanliness, ESD/FOD discipline, and process documentation Alignment & Test Support Set up and support optical alignment workflows using interferometers and autocollimators under engineering guidance Provide real-time feedback to engineering on fixture usability, process ergonomics, and opportunities to improve cycle time and yield (key DFA input) Process Improvement & Training Collaborate with the engineering team to refine work instructions and tooling based on build experience Mentor and train additional operators as the production line scales Minimum Qualifications: 7+ years of hands-on experience in the assembly of precision optical or microelectronic systems in a cleanroom environment Proficiency with optical bonding, shimming, and handling of delicate coated optics Experience working from detailed work instructions and supporting engineering-led assembly Strong documentation skills and commitment to quality, safety, and cleanliness protocols Preferred Qualifications: Experience with space-flight hardware and contamination control protocols Familiarity with fiber optic handling, splicing, and termination Direct experience supporting optical alignment with interferometers or autocollimators Previous role in a production ramp or AS9100 manufacturing environment Why Blue Origin: At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As a Senior Optics Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in building the optical systems that enable our advanced space communications capabilities, directly contributing to our mission of building a road to space for the benefit of Earth. We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. Compensation Range for: CA applicants is $43.74 - $61.24 WA applicants is $43.74 - $61.24 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. 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. California Applicant Privacy Notice If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.