Flight Software Engineer III - Blue National Security (TS/SCI required)

Front Door Defense; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Flight Software Engineer III to lead the development of embedded flight software for national security spacecraft. You’ll design, test, and deploy software for spacecraft systems, collaborating across systems, avionics, and test teams to meet mission requirements.

The role requires 5+ years in embedded software, strong C/C++ skills, and experience with RTOS; TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of embedded software development experience.
• Proficiency in C and C++ for embedded/RTOS environments.
• Experience with real-time operating systems (Yocto Linux, VxWorks, RTEMS, FreeRTOS or equivalent).
• Knowledge of communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, TCP/IP).
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test real-time embedded flight software for spacecraft and launch vehicle avionics in C/C++.
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, GN&C, and test engineers to translate requirements into robust code.
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle from requirements through deployment.
• Debug in SIL/HIL environments and perform verification tests.
• Support software configuration management (Git) and drive process improvements.
• Mentor junior team members and support mission readiness.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded software development

RTOS familiarity

Software verification/testing

UART/SPI/I2C/TCP-IP

Git

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering/Computer Science

Job description

Flight Software Engineer III - Blue National Security (TS/SCI required)

Lead development of embedded flight software for national security spacecraft from requirements to deployment

Location: Seattle, Washington Denver, Colorado

Compensation: $150,931 - 230,513 USD / year

About The Role

Flight Software Engineer III

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 national security missions. Working alongside a talented, mission-driven team of engineers, you will contribute directly to software that commands, controls, and safeguards some of the nation's most important space assets. 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 someone who combines technical skills with a passion for national security and spaceflight. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-consequence environment and want your code to fly in space — this is the role for you.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, develop, integrate, and test real-time embedded flight software for spacecraft and launch vehicle avionics systems in C/C++
• Collaborate with systems, avionics, GN&C, and test engineers to translate system and software requirements into robust, flight-quality code
• Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle — from requirements definition and architecture through implementation, code review, verification, and deployment
• Debug and troubleshoot software in both Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test environments
• Develop and execute software verification and validation plans, including unit tests, integration tests, and automated regression tests
• Support software configuration management practices using tools such as Git
• Contribute to continuous improvement of software development processes, tools, and infrastructure
• Analyze and resolve software anomalies and support root cause investigations
• Ensure all software deliverables comply with applicable safety, quality, and mission assurance standards
• Support launch operations and mission readiness reviews as needed
• Mentor / peer coach junior level team members

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or other related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in embedded software development
• Proficiency in C and C++ programming for embedded or real-time systems
• Working knowledge of real-time operating systems (e.g., Yocto Linux, VxWorks, RTEMS, FreeRTOS, or similar)
• Familiarity with software verification, testing, and debugging techniques for embedded systems
• Understanding of communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, TCP/IP, or similar
• Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Experience with Python for test automation, scripting, or tooling
• Experience developing safety-critical or mission-critical flight software for satellites

Base Pay 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, 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.

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 Aff