Principal Spacecraft Systems Engineer - Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required)

Blue Origin LLC; United States; On-site; USD 170,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Stock options

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin in the United States is seeking a seasoned Systems Engineer for the In-Space Systems unit. You will lead the SSE team, shape program requirements, and ensure interfaces, architecture, and concepts of operations meet customer needs.

This role requires 15+ years of aerospace experience, strong problem solving, and TS/SCI clearance. Relocation offered; travel up to 10%. You will collaborate across AI&T, Launch Vehicle, and Mission Operations to deliver safe, reusable spacecraft.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 15+ years in aerospace systems development and launch.
• 6+ years leading aerospace systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Offer spacecraft expertise and leadership, guiding the systems engineering team both hands‑on and as a mentor.
• Structure and allocate requirements successfully, managing changes, and defining interfaces efficiently.
• Collaborate with the mission management and the systems architect to understand the needs of the team members.
• Ensure requirements are applicable for specific builds within a multi‑mission product line.
• Plan and develop verification methods and events.
• Conduct technical analysis, trade studies, and research.
• Design mission threads to integrate spacecraft with external systems.
• Finalize vehicle specifications with verification and validation data from Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT).

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Requirements allocation

Trade studies

Interface definition

Mentoring

Leadership

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering

15+ years in aerospace

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

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!

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

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will apply your broad multi‑disciplinary engineering knowledge, skills, and methods to help ensure our spacecraft satisfies the needs of our critical partners through rigorous systems engineering practices.

As part our Blue Ring Spacecraft Systems Engineering team you will help ensure the program requirements, operational descriptions, and system designs have been shaped so that the overall system meets our customers’ needs.

You will assist in the definition and verification of system interfaces, architecture, and con ops.

Finally, you will work with all program interfaces including Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T), Mission Management, Launch Vehicle, Payloads, and Mission Operations.

The position requires strong collaboration within the SSE team and across the entire program.

In this fast‑paced and dynamic environment, you will contribute to innovative solutions while demonstrating personal leadership, technical competence and judgement, and a commitment to the highest technical standards.

Special Mentions: Relocation provided Travel expected up to 10% of the time Active TS/SCI security clearance required

Responsibilities

• Offer spacecraft expertise and leadership, guiding the systems engineering team both hands‑on and as a mentor.
• Structure and allocate requirements successfully, managing changes, and defining interfaces efficiently.
• Collaborate with the mission management and the systems architect to understand the needs of the team members.
• Ensure requirements are applicable for specific builds within a multi‑mission product line.
• Plan and develop verification methods and events.
• Conduct technical analysis, trade studies, and research.
• Design mission threads to integrate spacecraft with external systems.
• Finalize vehicle specifications with verification and validation data from Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related technical field
• Over 15 years of experience in crafting, developing, and launching aerospace systems, with a preference for robotic spacecraft experience
• At least 6 years of expertise in aerospace systems engineering
• Proven track record of leading all aspects of an aerospace project from requirements definition to verification
• Extensive understanding of Systems Engineering processes and standard methodologies, including the "Systems Engineering V" model
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and proficiency in trade study methods
• Leadership or management background with a history of mentoring team members
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A Top Secret/SCI clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in the spaceflight systems certification process.
• Expertise in deriving and allocating system‑level requirements.
• Familiarity with collaboration tools like Confluence and JIRA.

Compensation Range for: WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

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

• 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 Affinity 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 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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