Principal Space Vehicle System Design Lead

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!  

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

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 Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. We are looking for someone to apply their vision, passion, technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Join us in enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit earth - passion for our mission is required!

As a Principal Systems Engineer on a hardworking team of talented specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will function as the Space Vehicle System Design Lead for a unique customer mission within the Blue Ring Systems Engineering, Integration & Test organization, working closely with other system, software, hardware and integration & test engineers to develop the optimal space vehicle system solution for unique Blue Ring Spacecraft missions and customer needs. This position reports to the SEIT Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Requirements, Architecture & Verification Director for the space mobility product line. This role will begin with a first-of-its-kind space vehicle in development and grow with the product line through multiple missions and objectives.

The successful candidate is a seasoned technical leader and recognized expert in all aspects of Space Vehicle system development, deployment and operational support. Your effectiveness stems from four integrated competency areas: (1) Technical Expertise — deep domain knowledge in space vehicle systems engineering, electronics, embedded software, controls algorithms, sensors, actuators, power systems, and data networks, combined with systems-level thinking that anticipates downstream impacts of design decisions; (2) Technical Leadership — sound judgment that balances innovation with reliability, fluency in design reviews, failure analysis acumen, and confident decision-making under uncertainty; (3) People & Team Dynamics — mentorship mindset, cross-functional influence, composure under pressure, and a collaborative style that fosters innovation and resilience; and (4) Strategic Vision & Organizational Impact — tying technical decisions to mission success and business goals, identifying organizational gaps before they escalate, and communicating a compelling technical vision across all levels. You hold yourself and your teams to the highest standards of engineering rigor.

There is no “standard day” for this role. You will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team across all engineering development phases, from customer use case elicitation all the way to full-scale Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T), launch vehicle integration, and mission operations. On any given day, you may be supporting Model-based Systems Engineers in architecting complex internal and external communications interfaces, leading a failure review board, reviewing Fault Management & System Autonomy script development, driving interface negotiations with vehicle teams, or mentoring a group of engineers through a gnarly systems integration challenge.  Your breadth of expertise and technical judgment are the constant that ties it all together.

Responsibilities: 

• Own the architectural technical baseline development for the assigned program; define and drive the technical vision, architecture, and long-term engineering roadmap for that program’s spacecraft solution for a unique customer mission
• Lead decomposition and allocation of requirements; establish and maintain system-level requirements, interface control documents, and design standards spacecraft subsystems
• Provide thought leadership and technical direction for mission CONOPS development and detailed mission planning
• Function as a technical lead for milestone reviews; participate as a non-advocate reviewer for cross-program architectural decisions
• Lead identification, assessment, and mitigation of complex system-level technical risks across all mission phases; drive technology maturation and identify emerging technology opportunities within the spacecraft development team
• Provide technical oversight and direction for the integration of spacecraft hardware, software, and control systems into test facilities and onto launch vehicles
• Develop and maintain model-based design frameworks, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test capabilities to accelerate verification and validation
• Collaborate with program leadership, chief engineers, and functional managers to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and mission objectives
• Champion engineering best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned
• Mentor and develop engineers at all levels; actively contribute to a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous learning
• Support and provide technical oversight during critical test campaigns and mission operations, both on-site and remotely
• Partner with Enterprise functions (Operations, Supply Chain, Mission Assurance) to ensure producibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness spacecraft system designs

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft design, command & control systems, space communications, avionics systems, or a closely related engineering field, with demonstrated progression to senior/lead technical roles
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional technical programs or subsystems from concept through qualification and operational deployment
• Strong working knowledge of control theory, digital signal processing, and closed-loop system design for spacecraft systems
• Experience defining and managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification/validation strategies across hardware and software domains
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence technical teams and stakeholders
• Proficiency in model-based design and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and scripting languages (Python or equivalent)
• Direct experience with spacecraft communication protocols and emerging technologies
• Familiarity with, or experience in, Model-Based Systems Engineering, such as System Models and/or System Architecture diagrams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical topics to audiences including senior leadership and customer organizations
• 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:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience across multiple space domain programs in varying stages of development and operations
• Experience supporting or leading test campaigns
• Software or scripting language experience
• Familiarity with Fault Management & System Autonomy
• Experience with MBSE/System Modeling tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Enterprise Architect, MagicDraw, or Rhapsody
• Familiarity with System Architecture frameworks such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DODAF), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or NASA Space Mission Architecture Framework (SMAF)
• Experience with physics-based modeling tools
• Familiarity with configuration management, requirements management, and product lifecycle management tools (e.g., Windchill, DOORS, Jama, etc.)

 

Base Pay Range for:

CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85 WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 VA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

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. 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.