Principal Technical Lead Engineer, Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Systems

Blue Origin; Merritt Island (FL); On-site; USD 183,193 - 256,469; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Stock options for all employees

Paid Time Off up to four weeks

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Principal Technical Lead Engineer for Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Systems to drive technical architecture and lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams. This role requires expertise in avionics systems and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

The successful candidate will ensure deliverables meet safety and reliability standards while mentoring engineers and leading design reviews. Located in Merritt Island, Florida, this position involves up to 10% travel to rocket engine test sites.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in avionics systems or control systems.
• Deep expertise in avionics architecture and embedded systems design.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs.

Responsibilities

• Own the avionics and control system technical baseline for the assigned rocket engine program.
• Lead all design reviews with full technical approval authority.
• Mentor and develop engineers at all levels.

Skills

Avionics systems

Control systems

Technical leadership

Model-based design

Communication skills

Education

B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Job description

Application 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 Blue Origin Engines business unit, focusing on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems. It resides within the Avionics & Control Products (ACP) organization of the Engine Business Unit. As a Principal Technical Lead Engineer for Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Systems, you will serve as the primary technical authority for all avionics systems within a specific rocket engine program. You will define and drive the technical architecture, own the avionics system technical baseline, lead design reviews with full technical approval authority, and ensure all deliverables meet safety, performance, and reliability standards.

The successful candidate is a seasoned technical leader and recognized expert in avionics and control systems. Your effectiveness stems from four integrated competency areas: Technical Expertise, Technical Leadership, People & Team Dynamics, Strategic Vision & Organizational Impact. You hold yourself and your teams to the highest standards of engineering rigor.

There is no standard day for this role. You will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team across all phases, from customer use case elicitation to full-scale hot-fire test and flight operations. Daily activities may include architecting a new engine control system, leading a failure review board, reviewing control algorithms, driving interface negotiations, and mentoring engineers.

Position requires up to 10% travel to rocket engine test sites.

Responsibilities

• Own the avionics and control system technical baseline for the assigned rocket engine program; define and drive the technical vision, architecture, and long‑term engineering roadmap.
• Lead decomposition and allocation of engine‑specific avionics requirements; establish and maintain system‑level requirements, interface control documents, and design standards.
• Lead all design reviews for the assigned engine avionics systems with full technical approval authority; participate as a non‑advocate reviewer for cross‑program architectural decisions.
• Identify, characterize, and resolve complex system‑level technical risks across multiple concurrent development programs.
• Provide technical oversight for integration of avionics hardware, software, control algorithms, sensors, actuators, and harnessing into test facilities and onto rocket engines.
• Develop and maintain model‑based design frameworks, simulation environments, and hardware‑in‑the-loop (HIL) test strategies to accelerate verification and validation.
• Collaborate with program leadership, chief engineers, and functional managers to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and mission objectives.
• Champion engineering best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned across the ACP organization.
• Lead identification, assessment, and mitigation of technical risks across the assigned engine avionics system; drive technology maturation and emerging technology opportunities.
• Mentor and develop engineers at all levels; actively contribute to a culture of technical excellence, psychological safety, and continuous learning.
• Support and provide technical oversight during critical test campaigns and flight operations, both on‑site and remotely.
• Partner with Enterprise functions (Operations, Supply Chain, Mission Assurance) to ensure producibility, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness of avionics and control system designs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Passion for our mission: Millions of people living and working in space.
• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in avionics systems, control systems, or closely related engineering, with demonstrated progression to senior/lead technical roles.
• Deep, hands‑on expertise in avionics architecture, embedded systems design, and control system development for flight or propulsion applications.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross‑functional technical programs or subsystems from concept through qualification and operational deployment.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, digital signal processing, and closed‑loop system design for engine or propulsion applications.
• Experience defining and managing system‑level requirements, interfaces, and verification/validation strategies across hardware and software domains.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence technical teams and stakeholders without direct authority.
• Proficiency in model‑based design and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and scripting languages (Python or equivalent).
• Experience with data communication protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, CAN, SpaceWire, MIL‑STD‑1553, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective working relationships that improve team performance and strengthen our culture of inclusivity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical topics to senior leadership.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience across multiple rocket engine or propulsion programs in varying stages of development.
• Familiarity with safety‑critical software development standards (e.g., DO‑178C, IEC 61508, or equivalent).
• Experience with fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) design for flight‑critical avionics systems.
• Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for embedded or real‑time systems development.
• Experience with physics‑based modeling tools (e.g., AMESIM, Modelica) for propulsion system simulation.
• Familiarity with configuration management, requirements management, and product lifecycle management tools (e.g., Windchill, DOORS).
• Experience supporting or leading test campaigns at rocket engine test facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain multi‑year product and technology roadmaps.

Compensation

CA applicants: $183,193.00 - $256,469.85. CO applicants: $173,466.00 - $242,851.35. WA applicants: $183,193.00 - $256,469.85. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, and Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).
• Paid Time Off: Up to four 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 bonuses based on company discretion.

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 workforce. We provide all qualified applicants with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of protected characteristics.

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s affirmatively action plans or requiring a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process may contact the provided compliance email.