Principal Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Architect

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 183,193 - 256,469; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Technical Lead Engineer for Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Systems in Seattle, WA. You will define and own the avionics baseline, lead architectural reviews, and drive the long-term engineering roadmap for a rocket engine program, ensuring safety, reliability, and performance across development phases.

You will supervise a multi-disciplinary team, craft system-level requirements, and shepherd complex risk mitigation while coordinating with operations, mission

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 10+ years in avionics or control systems with senior/lead track.
• Deep expertise in avionics architecture, embedded software, and control development for flight or propulsion.
• Experience leading cross-functional programs from concept through deployment.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, DSP, and closed-loop design for propulsion.
• Ability to lead and influence teams without direct authority.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink) and scripting (Python).
• Experience with data protocols in aerospace (EtherCAT/CAN/SpaceWire).
• Proven ability to communicate complex topics to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own the avionics baseline and define long-term architecture for the engine program.
• Lead requirements, interfaces, and design standards for avionics subsystems.
• Conduct design reviews with full technical authority and cross-program input.
• Identify and mitigate system-level risks across concurrent development programs.
• Oversee integration of avionics hardware, software, sensors, and harnessing in test facilities and engines.
• Develop MBSE frameworks and HIL test strategies to accelerate verification.
• Collaborate with leadership to align execution with cost, schedule, and mission goals.
• Champion best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned across ACP.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and safety.
• Support test campaigns and flight operations on-site and remotely.
• Coordinate with Enterprise functions to ensure producibility and reliability.

Skills

Avionics architecture

Embedded systems

Control theory

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Systems engineering

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering / Aerospace / Systems Engineering

Tools

C/C++ embedded

MATLAB/Simulink

Windchill/DOORS

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Technical Lead Engineer for Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Systems in Seattle, WA. You will define and own the avionics baseline, lead architectural reviews, and drive the long-term engineering roadmap for a rocket engine program, ensuring safety, reliability, and performance across development phases.

You will supervise a multi-disciplinary team, craft system-level requirements, and shepherd complex risk mitigation while coordinating with operations, mission