Principal Engineer – Vision Based Navigation

Blue Origin; Washington; On-site; USD 231,000 - 323,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Stock options

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a senior expert in Vision Based Navigation to lead computer vision development across multiple lunar missions. You will set technical direction for flight algorithm baselines, calibrate cameras and optics, and drive validation across hardware-in-the-loop testing and system simulations.

You will mentor engineers, influence cross-program decisions on make vs. reuse, and communicate complex concepts to executives.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Aerospace, Robotics, or related field with 10+ years of experience in computer vision development.
• Recognized expert in robotics and computer vision with leadership experience.
• Strong optics and camera hardware calibration knowledge; synthetic scene generation and radiometry understanding.
• Ability to lead technical teams and influence across org boundaries.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with executive-level presentation skills.
• U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for computer vision development across multiple programs.
• Enforce best practices for unit/integration testing and V&V of CV software modules.
• Oversee integration of CV software into vehicle production baselines.
• Lead automation, tooling, and process improvements at scale across engineering teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and represent the organization in technical reviews and cross-program exchanges.
• Drive make/buy decisions and define the vision-based navigation roadmap.

Skills

Robotics

Computer Vision

C++

Rust

Team Leadership

Communication

Education

MS/PhD in Aerospace/Robotics or related

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

• 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 Rust
• Experience 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

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

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.

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. Affinecative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affinecative 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. 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 History & Mission

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.

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