Principal Engineer – Vision Based Navigation

Blue Origin LLC; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a senior technical leader in vision-based navigation to drive algorithm development and integration across lunar mission programs. You will shape technical direction, validate optics and camera systems, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure safety and reliability of flight CV software.

The role demands deep expertise in robotics and computer vision, strong communication, and a record of delivering complex spacecraft software in a collaborative aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Aerospace, Robotics, or related engineering field with 10+ years of experience in computer vision development.
• Recognized technical expert in robotics and computer vision with leadership experience across programs.
• Strong background in optics, camera hardware and calibration, including trade studies and decisions.
• Knowledge of synthetic scene generation, radiometry, and real-time embedded software.
• Ability to lead technical teams, set direction, and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for computer vision across multiple programs.
• Set best practices for unit testing, integration testing, and V&V of CV software.
• Oversee integration of CV software into vehicle baselines.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and drive cross-program exchanges.

Skills

Computer Vision

Robotics

Real-time systems

C++

Leadership

Communication

Education

MS/PhD in Aerospace/Robotics

Tools

GitLab

Docker

Trick/JEOD/cFS

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 programsEstablish and enforce best practices for unit testing, integration testing, and V&V of computer vision software modulesProvide technical oversight for integration of computer vision software into vehicle production baselinesIdentify systemic gaps and lead development of automation, tooling, and process improvements that scale across the broader engineering organizationMentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, elevating the technical capability of the teamRepresent the organization in technical reviews, design forums, and cross-program technical exchangesDrive resolution of the most complex, ambiguous technical challenges spanning multiple subsystems and disciplinesInfluence make/buy, build-vs-reuse, and technology roadmap decisions for vision-based navigationMinimum QualificationsM.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 implementationsDeep, demonstrated experience with optics, camera hardware and calibration, including leading trade studies and technical decisionsFoundational understanding in synthetic scene generation and radiometryDemonstrated ability to lead technical teams, set technical direction, and influence stakeholders across organizational boundariesExcellent technical written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadershipProven ability to earn trust, build consensus across organizations, and champion a culture of safety and technical excellenceMust 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 QualificationsDeep expertise in Spaceflight Mechanics, Orbital Dynamics, and Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD)Experience with development and flight operations of Spacecraft RPOD Computer Vision applicationsRecognized expertise in Terrain Relative Optical Navigation and Vision Based Navigation algorithms and software, with prior leadership of related development effortsExtensive background across individual technical disciplines of spacecraft navigation, orbital guidance, and spacecraft propulsive trajectory and attitude controlExtensive 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 standardsExperience 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 testingExperience with collaboration and development tools such as GitLab and DockerDemonstrated leadership across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements definition through deploymentExperience leading the flow-down of system requirements to the software component levelExtensive avionics hardware and software integration experienceTrack record of technical publications, patents, or industry recognition in vision-based navigation or related fieldsBase Pay Range for:CO applicants is $218,520.00 - $305,926.95WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85Other site ranges may differCulture StatementDon’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 RegulationsApplicants 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 CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired 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 physicalBenefitsBenefits 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 OpportunityBlue 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.Affirmative Action and Disability AccommodationApplicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative 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.