Hardware-in-the-Loop Testbed Lead - Transfer Stage

Blue Origin LLC; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Seattle, WA, is seeking a technical lead to design and build the Vehicle Test Bed (VTB) for the Transfer Stage team. The VTB will integrate avionics, flight software, simulations, and hardware emulators to support development, verification, and validation of next‑gen lunar transport hardware.

You will supervise a multidisciplinary team through all development stages, define VTB capabilities, and align test requirements with subsystem owners while tracking schedule and budgets.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Engineering and knowledge of spacecraft electrical systems.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop test labs.
• Ability to lead and collaborate in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, build, integration, certification, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation of the VTB.
• Define functional capabilities of the VTB and coordinate with vehicle subsystem teams.
• Work with test management on staff plans, non-labor cost estimates, and the VTB schedule.
• Lead tiger teams for problem investigation and resolution.

Skills

Electrical systems

Hardware-in-the-loop

Team leadership

Communication

Education

B.S. in Engineering

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!

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 of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will lead the design and build of the Vehicle Test Bed (VTB) for the Transfer Stage team. The VTB will provide an environment to combine vehicle avionics and flight software, enabling system development, verification, and validation. The VTB will include software simulations and hardware emulators, as well as software to control these simulations and emulators. The test environment will also involve connections to other in-space vehicle emulators and test beds.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence to build a test lab from the ground up to enable the next human missions to the moon! Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

Perform all stages of design, build, integration, certification, troubleshooting, maintenance, and operation or the VTB. Lead a team through all phases of development while providing technical guidance. Define functional capabilities of the VTB. Coordinate with the vehicle subsystem teams to define their test requirements and to integrate their subsystems in the VTB. Work with test management on VTB staff plans, non-labor cost estimates, and the VTB schedule. Lead tiger teams for problem investigation and resolution.

Minimum Qualifications

B.S. degree in Engineering. Highly knowledgeable of spacecraft electrical systems including command and data handling, electrical power systems, and RF systems. Proven experience developing hardware in the loop test labs. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment. Ability to build consensus amongst multiple customers and stakeholders, balance multiple priorities and deliver meaningful results. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful candidates typically have 8+ years of relevant experience. M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems, Software, Electrical, or related technical subject area. Experience with the development of simulations for avionics interfaces. Experience working on a verification program for a complex spaceflight or aviation system. Experience with requirements and V&V tracking tools, preferably using JAMA. Experience with certification of flight readiness process for a new system. Experience with NASA lunar, deep space, or planetary missions. Experience working on large complex programs with multiple partners.

Base Pay Range

Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $145,188.00 - $203,263.20. 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%, 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.

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