Principal, Spacecraft Integration Systems Engineer- Blue Ring

Blue Origin; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with match

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a senior Systems Engineer to lead the integration and test of spacecraft for launch readiness in Huntsville, AL. You will collaborate with I&T and assembly teams to define interfaces, develop comprehensive test plans, and support launch operations from payload integration to countdown.

You’ll mentor teammates and contribute to proposals with technical insights. The role requires a strong background in aerospace systems, leadership, and the ability to obtain a US Government

Qualifications

• Requires an engineering degree with deep aerospace expertise.
• 15+ years in design, development and flight of aerospace systems.
• 6+ years in system or subsystem integration and test, preferably spacecraft systems.
• Led at least one aerospace system project from assembly to deployment.
• Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering processes (V-model).
• Subject matter expert in system-level requirements verification.
• Proven problem-solving skills and technical troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience and mentoring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a US Government Top Secret Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering integration of multiple spacecraft for launch readiness.
• Coordinate verification events with AI&T teams.
• Define and manage interfaces impacting spacecraft integration.
• Support integration activities on the floor of the assembly facility.
• Develop detailed test plans for Hardware-in-Loop and system verification.
• Assist in developing test procedures and scripts with AI&T.
• Contribute to changes for efficiency, cost savings, and error proofing.
• Support launch site operations including payload integration and countdown.
• Provide systems integration input for proposals and bids based on spacecraft knowledge.
• Review I&T and system test procedures; represent Systems Engineering in tests and reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Systems thinking

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

Job description

Overview

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! The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, which focuses on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the systems engineering integration of multiple spacecraft to be ready for launch.
• Collaborate with the Assembly, Integration and Test team to coordinate verification events to align with AI&T plans.
• Collaborate with the team to define and manage interfaces that impact spacecraft integration.
• Support integration activities "on the floor" in the spacecraft assembly facility.
• Develop detailed test plans for Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop simulation testing as well as for system level verification events.
• Support AI&T in developing test procedures and scripts.
• Support the spacecraft development team in authoring changes for efficiency, cost savings, and error proofing.
• Support launch site operations including payload integration, propulsion loading, launch vehicle encapsulation, and launch count‑down.
• Provide systems integration input for proposals based on knowledge of spacecraft integration and launch operations.
• Review I&T and system test procedures.
• Represent Systems Engineering during I&T tests, reviews, and other related I&T activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering or equivalent technical field.
• 15+ years of related experience in the design, development, and flight of aerospace systems, preferably robotic spacecraft.
• 6+ years of system or subsystem integration and test experience, preferably spacecraft systems or subsystems (propulsion, GN&C, embedded software, thermal, structural, command and data handling, and/or electrical power).
• Have worked at least one aerospace system project from assembly, integration, and test, through launch or deployment operations.
• Experience with Systems Engineering processes and standard methodologies (deep understanding of the "Systems Engineering V").
• Subject matter expert in system level requirements verification.
• Proven problem solving skills and has mastered technical troubleshooting methods.
• Leadership or management experience as well as a history of mentoring.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a US Government Top Secret Clearance.

Desired

• Successful candidates in this role typically have 18+ years of related experience in the design, development, and flight test of spacecraft systems.
• Experience across the product life cycle (pre-conceptual design through field support).
• Space flight systems certification process experience.
• Familiarity with spacecraft initialization and mission operations concepts.
• Experience with launch vehicle payload integration or spacecraft launch count‑down configuration.
• Understanding of embedded software systems, or experience as a software systems engineer.
• Knowledge of collaboration tools such as Confluence and JIRA.
• Familiarity with formal risk and opportunity management processes.
• US Government Top Secret security clearance.

Special Mentions

• Up to 20% travel.

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 Affi­texts and help 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.