Principal Vehicle Software Systems Engineer - New Glenn

Blue Origin LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 165,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

401(k) with match

Education Support Program

Stock Options

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC is seeking a senior software architect to lead the system-level architecture for the New Glenn vehicle and ground software. You will define requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies, and oversee integration and qualification activities across the lifecycle of this high-profile aerospace program.

The role demands deep expertise in real-time embedded systems, MBSD approaches, and collaboration with flight software, GNC, avionics, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in a relevant technical discipline as listed.
• 10+ years in real-time embedded systems and safety-critical software architecture/verification.
• Experience owning system-level software architecture on complex vehicles, aircraft, or spacecraft.
• Experience defining software interfaces and partitioning with system-wide consequences.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and effective communication.
• Proficiency with Python and Linux environments.
• Desirable MS/PhD in related fields.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and auto-coding methods.
• Experience across full aerospace lifecycle from requirements to operation.
• Ability to document architectures, interfaces, and verification plans.
• Exposure to MB Design and aerospace vehicle certifications.

Responsibilities

• Own system-level software architecture for integrated vehicle and ground software.
• Author architecture and interface definitions of record.
• Define system-level software requirements and test strategies.
• Lead software change control and impact assessment.
• Lead software integration across critical rocket systems throughout the lifecycle.
• Design and own verification strategies for safety-critical systems.
• Approve software releases following formal qualification.
• Work hands-on in hardware-in-loop environments to validate flight software.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across integrated rocket systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission requirements are met.

Skills

Real-time embedded systems

System-level software architecture

Python

Linux

MATLAB and Simulink

Auto-coding methods

Model-based design

Requirements definitions

Education

B.S. degree in computer science, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

ICDs (interface control documents)

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 supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human‑capable. We are team of collaborators, doers, and problem‑solvers relentlessly committed to safety in space exploration. At Blue Origin, your work will directly impact the history of spaceflight as we pursue our vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth. You will join the team that owns software architecture, verification, and integration for New Glenn vehicle and ground software. Lead the architecture, integration, and verification of mission‑critical software for the New Glenn rocket system in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. As part of a small, high‑impact team, you'll set the direction for system‑level software architecture while ensuring we build streamlined, verifiable solutions for safe spaceflight.

Key Responsibilities

• Own system‑level software architecture for the integrated vehicle and ground software system
• Author the architecture and interface definitions of record
• Define system‑level software requirements and test strategies
• Lead change‑impact assessment through software change control
• Lead software integration activities for critical rocket systems throughout the entire product lifecycle
• Design and own verification strategies for safety‑critical systems
• Approve software releases following formal qualification
• Work hands‑on in a hardware‑in‑loop environment to validate flight software
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues across integrated rocket systems
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including flight software, GNC, avionics, and operations, to ensure software meets mission requirements

Qualifications

• B.S. degree computer science, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience with real‑time embedded systems, control systems methodologies and the architecture and verification of safety‑critical software
• Demonstrated ownership of system‑level software architecture and requirements on a complex vehicle, aircraft, or spacecraft
• Experience defining software interfaces and partitioning with system‑wide consequences
• Strong technical troubleshooting skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience with Python and Linux environments
• Desired M.S. or Ph.D. in computer science, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or related technical discipline
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB and Simulink and auto‑coding methods
• Experience in the full lifecycle development of aerospace systems, including requirement definition, design solution definition, implementation, integration, verification and validation, qualification, commissioning and operation
• Experience authoring system‑level software architecture, interface, and process documentation such as architecture descriptions, ICDs, and software development and verification plans
• Experience with aerospace vehicles (e.g., Boeing 787, 777x, Orion) and model‑based design (MBD) methodologies leading to certification of human spaceflight systems

Base Pay Range for: CA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85 CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35 WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85 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 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%
• 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 Affluent 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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