Lead Perception Architect for Autonomous Space Systems

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 173,000 - 243,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Principal Perception Lead to drive perception architecture for autonomous navigation and sensor fusion across space systems. You will guide algorithm development for reliable sensing and situational awareness in on-orbit and national security contexts.

This hands-on technical leadership role requires deep expertise and influence across teams, mentoring engineers while delivering high-impact solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years in computer vision, sensor fusion, or perception for autonomous systems.
• Technical leadership guiding perception architecture and strategy without formal management.
• Strong C++ and/or Python for perception algorithm development.
• Hands-on sensor fusion with multi-sensor data (camera, LIDAR, RADAR, IMU).
• Experience with object detection, tracking, classification, and deep learning methods.
• Familiarity with real-time/embedded software constraints; U.S. work authorization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of perception algorithms for autonomous navigation and situational awareness.
• Architect and implement CV and sensor fusion pipelines using multiple onboard sensors.
• Define strategy and roadmaps for perception subsystems aligned with vehicle autonomy goals.
• Drive object detection, tracking, classification, and scene understanding in dynamic environments.
• Establish best practices for perception software development, testing, V&V.
• Collaborate with GN&C, avionics, and systems engineering to integrate perception into flight systems.
• Support HITL/SITL testing and field/flight test campaigns to validate perception performance.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; provide technical guidance without formal supervisory duties.
• Present findings and risks to leadership, customers, and stakeholders; stay current with state-of-the-art methods.
• Support proposal development, technical reviews, and customer engagements as needed.

Skills

Perception architecture

C++

Python

Sensor fusion

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Robotics

Equivalent experience

Tools

ROS/ROS2

CUDA

Kalman/particle filters

Job description

Blue Origin seeks a Principal Perception Lead to drive perception architecture for autonomous navigation and sensor fusion across space systems. You will guide algorithm development for reliable sensing and situational awareness in on-orbit and national security contexts.

This hands-on technical leadership role requires deep expertise and influence across teams, mentoring engineers while delivering high-impact solutions.