Flight Software Engineer III

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 164,652 - 230,512; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off up to four weeks per year

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Flight Software Engineer III to design and develop embedded flight software for spacecraft. This role is critical to ensure the performance and safety of space missions.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of embedded software development experience, with proficiency in C/C++. Join us to contribute to exciting advancements in spaceflight!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in embedded software development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming in resource-constrained embedded environments.
• Working knowledge of software verification, testing, and debugging techniques for embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test real-time embedded flight software in C/C++ for spacecraft avionics.
• Drive work across all phases of the software development lifecycle - from requirements to deployment.
• Ensure software deliverables comply with applicable safety, quality, and mission assurance standards.

Skills

Embedded software experience

C/C++ programming

Real-time operating systems

Debugging techniques

Embedded communication protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Embedded systems

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 a Flight Software Engineer III, you will play a critical role in designing, developing, testing, and deploying embedded flight software for spacecraft systems supporting a broad mission portfolio - from commercial and civil space to national security. Working alongside a talented, mission‑driven team of engineers, you will contribute directly to software that commands, controls, and safeguards some of the most capable spacecraft ever built. Your work will ensure that our vehicles and spacecraft operate safely, reliably, and with the performance our customers and missions demand.

We are looking for an engineer with solid embedded software experience and a passion for spaceflight - someone who is comfortable taking challenging problems from design through delivery and contributing to a strong team culture. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑consequence environment and want your code to fly in space, this is the role for you.

Special Mentions

• Relocation: Relocation assistance will be provided for qualified candidates.
• Travel: Up to 10% travel may be required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, integrate, and test real‑time embedded flight software in C/C++ for spacecraft avionics
• Lead translation of system and software requirements into robust, flight‑quality code in partnership with systems, avionics, GN&C, and test engineers
• Drive work across all phases of the software development lifecycle - from requirements and architecture through implementation, code review, verification, and deployment
• Develop and execute software verification and validation plans, including unit, integration, and automated regression tests
• Debug and resolve software and hardware/software integration issues in Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments
• Lead design, code, and peer reviews
• Uphold and evolve coding standards
• Investigate software anomalies and lead root‑cause analysis
• Ensure software deliverables comply with applicable safety, quality, and mission assurance standards
• Support launch operations and mission readiness reviews
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, tools, and infrastructure
• Mentor and peer‑coach junior engineers, helping grow the next generation of flight software talent

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of professional experience in embedded software development
• Proficiency in C/C++ programming in resource‑constrained embedded environments
• Working knowledge of real‑time operating systems
• Working knowledge of software verification, testing, and debugging techniques for embedded systems
• Understanding of embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, or TCP/IP

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Experience developing flight software for spacecraft, satellites, or other safety‑critical aerospace systems
• Experience with Python for test automation, scripting, or tooling

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we are building a road to space so that the next generation can build the future. Joining the In‑Space Systems team means working on the infrastructure that will enable a thriving on‑orbit economy and unlock new possibilities for science, exploration, and commerce. You will work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with some of the most talented engineers in the industry, see your code fly, and help define what's possible in spaceflight.

Compensation Range for:

CO applicants is $150,931.00 - $211,303.05

WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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 workforce. 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 Assertive 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.