Camera and Lidar Optical Development Engineer - Lunar Avionics

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 the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a hardworking team, the Camera and Lidar Optical Development Engineer will be a member of the Optical Systems group within Lunar Avionics, working within a tightly knit group that is developing cameras (IR and visible spectrum) and lidar systems across Blue Origin’s Lunar vehicles. You will assist in the development of these optical sensor systems for rendezvous, navigation, proximity operations, and docking, along with manned crew applications, for Blue Origin’s spacecraft. 

You will participate in the full life cycle of these systems from early concepts to product prototypes to qualified and deployed flight hardware. This role is deeply interdisciplinary and requires coordination among a group of internal stakeholders, adjacent integrated product teams, and suppliers. Your contributions will enable the flight of state-of-the-art aerospace vehicles and missions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate in the development of vision and lidar optical sensor hardware for guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) of crewed and uncrewed lander systems
• Design of imaging optics for both visible and long wave infrared (LWIR) systems, including image quality analysis, tolerance analysis, and stray-light analysis
• Support the fabrication and lab testing of prototype hardware 
• Assist with procurement, vendor coordination, delivery, acceptance, installation, verification, validation, qualification, and certification of component hardware 
• Support the development and execution of component-level test programs, including sensor characterization and calibration, sensor performance modeling, and integrated on-vehicle testing 
• Assist with environmental testing (shock/vibration, thermal vacuum, etc.) and flight tests to validate top-level system specifications and requirements and establish sensor performance specifications 
• Participate in program level technology development, mission assurance and safety initiatives, and avionics development process improvements
• Effectively communicate development status, risks, and challenges to management

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Imaging Science or related area of study 
• 2+ years of related experience with cameras, image sensors, and/or other optical sensing systems
• Experience in the development, prototyping, testing, and/or calibration of cameras, lidar, or other optical imaging/sensing systems for aerospace, automotive, medical, or robotics applications 
• Knowledge of optical imaging system components (lenses, lasers, sensors, sensor and image processing electronics, etc.) and their characterization 
• Experience with optical system design and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, FRED, LightTools, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  
• Ability to reach across discipline boundaries to solve integration issues spanning hardware, firmware, and controls
• Desire to work hands-on, both independently and as part of a team, throughout the development and production phases of the electronic assembly product lifecycle
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and supply to a culture of collaboration
• 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:

• M.S. or higher degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
• 3+ years of experience in design, development, test, and operation of opto-electrical systems
• Development of cameras, lidar, or other sensors for space applications and space environments 
• Knowledge and experience with optical navigation systems, such as measurements from star trackers, and optical sensors
• Knowledge of image processing techniques 
• Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or other programming language
• Ability to understand and interface with analog, digital or mixed-signal circuit design
• Work with precision opto-mechanical assemblies 
• Exposure to radiation effects on electronics and how to apply this to designs targeting space applications

Join us in creating the Road to Space and establishing a lunar presence!

 

Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $107,136.00 - $149,990.40

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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.