Principal Autonomous Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Blue Origin LLC; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 231,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock Options

Paid parental leave

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a seasoned Software Engineer (AI/ML Ops) to embed AI into manufacturing automation. You will work with automation and software teams to deploy machine learning models, build data and model infrastructure, and ensure secure, scalable production systems across facilities in California and beyond.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, hands-on ML deployment, and staying current with AI/ML advancements to improve operational efficiency and safety in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience with real world ML deployments.
• Experience with AI/ML tools and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
• Familiarity with manufacturing automation including robotics, PLCs, automated NDT, and machine vision.
• Experience with AI edge deployments and integration into OT devices (e.g. Simatic NPU).
• Experience with serverless computing frameworks and technologies.
• Familiarity with agile and scrum environments.
• Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; clear documentation and cross-team collaboration.
• Ability to earn trust and contribute to an inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

• Work with automation team to deploy ML models into automation products.
• Complete operational aspects of AI/ML projects for robust deployment.
• Build and maintain infrastructure for data processing, model training, and inference at scale.
• Set up monitoring systems for production AI/ML models.
• Automate end-to-end ML pipeline: data collection, preprocessing, training, deployment, monitoring.
• Collaborate with data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers to streamline workflow.
• Ensure AI/ML systems comply with security standards and data privacy.

Skills

AI/ML Ops

Automation

Data processing

Model deployment

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

OT device integration

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 Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities. We are a world leading Manufacturing Automation organization that is revolutionizing manufacturing at Blue Origin. By blending proven and cutting edge manufacturing technologies with a relentless drive to develop, deploy and support high quality systems, we are enabling Blue Origin to realize our vision of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. Our team is looking for outstanding, highly motivated Software Engineers (AI/ML Ops) to join our Automation Team. This role requires an individual with a deep understanding of software development as well as automated manufacturing processes and systems, including industrial automation hardware and software. AI will unlock the true potential of manufacturing automation, you will join our team of automation development engineers, working directly with them to embed value-add AI in systems we create. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the automation engineering team to develop and implement strategies for seamless deployment of machine learning models into our automation products.
• Complete the operational aspects of AI and machine learning projects, ensuring robust and scalable deployment.
• Build and maintain the infrastructure required for efficient data processing, model training, and inference at scale.
• Set up and manage monitoring systems to ensure the performance, reliability, and scalability of AI/ML models in production.
• Automate the end-to-end machine learning pipeline, including data collection, preprocessing, model training, deployment, and monitoring.
• Work closely with data scientists, data engineers, and software engineers to streamline the workflow from development to production.
• Ensure that AI/ML systems comply with security standards and best practices, addressing data privacy and protection concerns.
• Conduct performance tuning, troubleshooting, and optimization of AI and ML models to improve efficiency and reduce latency.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate appropriate tools and frameworks for model training, deployment, and monitoring (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow, TensorFlow Extended).
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of processes, configurations, and performance metrics of deployed AI/ML models.
• Foster a culture of continual improvement by staying updated with the latest advancements in AI/ML Ops and implementing best practices.
• Develop and implement incident response plans to address and mitigate issues with deployed models promptly.
• Plan and implement strategies for scaling AI/ML models to handle increased demand and larger datasets.
• Proactively propose new solutions and enhancements leveraging AI/ML to address business challenges and improve operational efficiency.
• Work with cross-functional teams to incorporate AI/ML insights into broader business strategies and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience, with a significant focus on real world machine learning deployments using vision and/or time-series data.
• Extensive experience with AI and machine learning tools and frameworks, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
• Familiarity with manufacturing automation, including robotics, PLC's, automated NDT, and machine vision.
• Experience with AI edge deployments and integration into OT devices (e.g. Simatic NPU).
• Experience with serverless computing frameworks and technologies.
• Familiarity with software development in agile and scrum environments.
• Experience with database management systems, both SQL and NoSQL (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear documentation and cross-team collaboration.
• Ability to innovate and adapt to rapidly changing technologies and environment.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• 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.

Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85. 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%.
• 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.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Aff…

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.