Principal Engineer – Vision Based Navigation

Blue Origin; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 219,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a senior technical leader to shape vision-based navigation for lunar missions. You will guide algorithm development, validation, and cross-program collaboration, mentoring engineers and ensuring mission‑critical performance.

Applicants should have a Ph.D./M.S. in a related field with 10+ years in computer vision, robotics, and aerospace, plus hands-on C++/Rust and experience with NASA/DOT standards. U.S. citizenship or eligible status is required.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree with 10+ years in computer vision for aerospace or related field.
• Recognized expert in robotics and CV with leadership in complex systems.
• Experience with optics, camera hardware, calibration, and synthesis.
• Ability to lead teams and influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Clear technical communication to executives and teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for computer vision across programs.
• Define testing, validation, and integration for CV modules.
• Oversee CV integration into vehicle baselines and production.
• Drive automation, tooling, and process improvements at scale.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in cross‑program reviews.
• Guide make/buy and roadmapping for vision navigation.
• Lead complex problem solving spanning subsystems and disciplines.

Skills

Robotics expertise

Computer Vision applications

Leadership and mentorship

Technical communication

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace/Robotics/Engineering

Tools

GitLab

Docker

C++

Rust

NASA NPR 7150.2D / DO-178C

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 drive the architecture, strategy, and execution of Vision Based Navigation Algorithms and Software across multiple lunar missions. You will set technical direction for flight algorithm baselines, measurement performance analysis, vision navigation mathematical modeling, synthetic image validation, hardware testing, and cross-spacecraft interfaces critical to mission closure. You will serve as a primary technical authority engaging cross-program organizations to ensure spacecraft as‑built configurations meets mission requirements. You will provide technical leadership across the integrated GN&C subsystem lifecycle-from preliminary system definition and detailed subsystem design through performance analysis, vehicle assembly, verification, system validation, mission certification, and operations.

We are looking for a recognized technical expert who can shape the future of vision-based navigation for human lunar exploration, mentor engineers across the organization, and drive engineering excellence at scale. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Technical leadership and subject matter expert for Computer Vision development across multiple programs
• Establish and enforce best practices for unit testing, integration testing, and V&V of computer vision software modules
• Provide technical oversight for integration of computer vision software into vehicle production baselines
• Identify systemic gaps and lead development of automation, tooling, and process improvements that scale across the broader engineering organization
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, elevating the technical capability of the team
• Represent the organization in technical reviews, design forums, and cross-program technical exchanges
• Drive resolution of the most complex, ambiguous technical challenges spanning multiple subsystems and disciplines
• Influence make/buy, build-vs-reuse, and technology roadmap decisions for vision-based navigation

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Robotics, or related Engineering field with 10+ years of demonstrated experience computer vision application development (or equivalent combination of education/experience)
• Recognized technical expert in Robotics and Computer Vision applications, with a track record of leading complex system implementations
• Deep, demonstrated experience with optics, camera hardware and calibration, including leading trade studies and technical decisions
• Foundational understanding in synthetic scene generation and radiometry
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, set technical direction, and influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries
• Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership
• Proven ability to earn trust, build consensus across organizations, and champion a culture of safety and technical excellence
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Spaceflight Mechanics, Orbital Dynamics, and Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD)
• Experience with development and flight operations of Spacecraft RPOD Computer Vision applications
• Recognized expertise in Terrain Relative Optical Navigation and Vision Based Navigation algorithms and software, with prior leadership of related development efforts
• Extensive background across individual technical disciplines of spacecraft navigation, orbital guidance, and spacecraft propulsive trajectory and attitude control
• Extensive experience with real-time embedded software development on spacecraft or launch vehicle flight systems in C++ or RustExperience leading software development efforts under NASA NPR 7150.2D or FAA DO-178C standards
• Experience with NASA software, simulation tools, and environments (Trick/JEOD/cFS)
• Demonstrated leadership in defining and implementing validation and verification strategies, including software unit testing, system simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or integrated subsystem testing
• Experience with collaboration and development tools such as GitLab and Docker
• Demonstrated leadership across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements definition through deployment
• Experience leading the flow-down of system requirements to the software component level
• Extensive avionics hardware and software integration experience
• Track record of technical publications, patents, or industry recognition in vision-based navigation or related fields

Base Pay Range For

CO applicants is $218,520.00 - $305,926.95 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85

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. 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 Affine 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.