Aerospace Systems Engineer II

Blue Origin LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a senior Systems Engineer to ensure design standards and mission objectives are met across spacecraft subsystems. You will decompose requirements, define interfaces, and coordinate with AI&T, flight software, and mission operations to deliver safe, compliant spaceflight systems.

The role emphasizes rigorous verification, test planning, and cross-functional collaboration within the SSE team, with travel up to 10% and a commitment to safety, inclusion, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field; space emphasis preferred.
• 5+ years of aerospace systems experience; 3+ years in systems engineering roles.
• Experience defining space system requirements that span multiple mission objectives.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with design standards, processes, and best practices.
• Decompose high-level requirements into system architecture and functional diagrams.
• Coordinate with subsystems to define verification and validation plans.
• Oversee verification strategies to ensure spacecraft meets requirements and goals.
• Collaborate across program elements (I&T, ground systems, mission ops) to deliver holistic solutions.
• Identify and manage technical, schedule, and cost risks.
• Assist flight software integration and link software development to system requirements.
• Develop system-level verification methods and events.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities on the shop floor.

Skills

Systems engineering

Written and verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace engineering

M.S. in a relevant field (preferred)

Tools

CONOPs development

Requirements definition

Interface definition

System architecture

Job description

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. As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will apply your broad multi‑disciplinary engineering knowledge, skills, and methods to help ensure our spacecraft satisfies the needs of our customers through rigorous systems engineering practices. As part our Blue Ring Spacecraft Systems Engineering team you will help ensure that requirements, system designs and operations are shaped to meet program needs. You will assist in the definition and verification of system requirements, interfaces, architecture, and CONOPs. Finally, you will work with all program interfaces including Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T), Mission Systems, Launch Vehicle, Payloads, and Mission Operations. The position requires strong collaboration within the SSE team and across the entire program. In this fast‑paced and dynamic environment, you will contribute to innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence and judgement, and a commitment to the highest technical standards. Special Mentions: Travel expected up to 10% of the time. Top Secret clearance desired. Experience and familiarity with flight software desired.

Responsibilities

• Work with the program’s Lead Systems Engineer to ensure compliance with design standards, processes, and general best practices.
• Apply a variety of technical principles and tools in Systems Engineering such as CONOPs development, requirements definition and analysis, and interface definition.
• Decompose high‑level requirements into lower‑level system architecture, system design requirements, and functional block diagrams.
• Work with subsystems to ensure proper requirements definition, verification and validation plans, consistency with system and mission objectives.
• Coordinate with specialty engineering functions in support of subsystem development teams.
• Oversee verification and validation strategies, plans and processes to ensure software and hardware components, and the integrated spacecraft subsystems will meet system requirements and mission goals.
• Create and oversee the execution of test plans, procedures and generation of results reports.
• Collaborate with other program elements (I&T, ground systems, flight operations, mission management, and systems architecture) to understand their needs and create holistic solutions.
• Identify and assist in the management of technical, schedule and cost risks.
• Work with the flight software team to resolve implementation issues, review the software development processes, link their development to L3 and L4 requirements and needed functional behaviors.
• Assist in the planning and develop of system‑level verification methods and events.
• Support and collaborate with the Assembly, Integration and Test team in developing test procedures and scripts.
• Support integration activities “on the floor” in the spacecraft assembly facility.
• Assist with proposals based on knowledge of spacecraft capabilities and functions.
• Manage technical performance measures for the overall vehicle.
• Participate in gated program reviews and drive subsequent actions to closure.
• Drive process improvements with a sense of ownership and urgency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace engineering or equivalent technical field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in systems engineering, preferably in the space industry.
• Demonstrated understanding of systems engineering fundamentals and experience in multiple system lifecycle phases.
• Successful candidates in this role typically have 5+ years of related experience in the design, development, and flight test of aerospace systems, preferably spacecraft.
• Experience developing an integrated system with depth in one or more spacecraft subsystems, and/or system design and integration.
• Experience in definition of space system requirements and concept definitions that span a broad range of mission objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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. degree in a relevant technical field.
• Domain experience with spacecraft system and subsystem functions, interfaces, and communication protocols (i.e. serial, 1553, Ethernet, embedded software, etc.).
• Experience defining and performing complex trade studies.
• Experience with design, development, and certification of spaceflight systems.
• Experience with logical and physical architecture definition and decomposition.
• Experience using hardware or software testbeds and lab environments for software and system verification.

Base Pay Range for:

• CA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
• CO applicants is $90,934.00 - $127,307.25
• WA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
• VA applicants is $99,201.00 - $138,880.35
• 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

• 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%
• 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.
• 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 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 [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

We’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission‑driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves.

Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! Blue Origin was founded with a vision to enable a future where millions of people are living and working in space to benefit Earth. In order to preserve Earth, Blue Origin believes in the need to enable humanity to expand, explore, find new energy and material resources, and move industries that stress Earth into space. Blue Origin believes it has an important role in building a road to space and lowering the cost of getting there. At Blue Origin, we’re working on this today by developing fully reusable launch vehicles and systems that are safe, reliable and affordable. Every launch vehicle is designed for human spaceflight from the beginning and able to ferry payloads to space.