Senior Embedded Software Engineering Lead

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 181,626 - 254,275; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking an experienced software engineering leader to drive the development of high‑reliability flight software for embedded and edge platforms using C++. You will mentor a team of flight software engineers, define architectural standards, and collaborate with systems engineering, GNC, avionics, and mission operations to translate requirements into robust software solutions.

Base pay ranges for Colorado applicants are disclosed (CO applicants).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
• 7+ years of embedded software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems.
• Experience with RTOS.
• Experience with microcontroller peripherals (ADC, DAC, I2C, SPI, UART).
• Version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of software development for mission-critical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead team of flight software engineers through full lifecycle.
• Architect and deliver high-reliability flight software for embedded/edge platforms in C++.
• Provide day-to-day technical direction and mentorship; foster excellence and accountability.
• Define and enforce software architecture standards and design patterns for mission-critical systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into software solutions.
• Conduct design and code reviews to ensure quality and mission assurance.
• Support integration and test activities including HIL/SIL testing.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks and drive root-cause analysis.

Skills

C++ embedded

RTOS

Leadership

Embedded software

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS/CE/EE/Aerospace)

Tools

Git

CI/CD

HIL/SIL testing

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!

Special Mentions:

• Relocation assistance is available for this position
• Travel expectations: Up to 10% travel may be required to other Blue Origin facilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead team of flight software engineers through the full software development lifecycle
• Architect, design, develop, and deliver high-reliability flight software for embedded and edge computing platforms using C++
• Provide day-to-day technical direction, work prioritization, and mentorship to team members; foster a culture of engineering excellence and accountability
• Define and enforce software architecture standards, coding practices, and design patterns for mission‑critical systems
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including systems engineering, GNC, avionics, and mission operations to translate system requirements into robust software solutions
• Conduct design reviews and code reviews; ensure technical quality and mission assurance across deliverables
• Support integration and test activities, including hardware‑in‑the-loop (HIL) and software‑in‑the-loop (SIL) testing
• Identify and mitigate technical risks; drive root‑cause analysis and resolution of complex software anomalies
• Coordinate with program management to communicate status, risks, and resource needs
• Contribute to proposal efforts and technical documentation in support of national security programs

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field
• 7+ years of professional experience in embedded software development
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded systems
• Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS)
• Experience with microcontroller peripherals (ADC, DAC, I2C, SPI, UART, etc.)
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and CI/CD pipelines
• Knowledge of software development for mission‑critical systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience with embedded Linux development and Yocto
• Experience leading software technical teams
• Knowledge of communication protocols used in spacecraft systems
• Experience with bare‑metal programming for microcontrollers

About the Team:

At Blue Origin, you'll be part of a historic endeavour to expand humanity's presence in space. Our In‑Space Systems team is developing revolutionary technologies like Blue Ring, a versatile spacecraft platform that will transform how we approach infrastructure delivery and services in space. You'll work with world‑class engineers on cutting‑edge technology that will enable sustainable human presence beyond Earth. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and most importantly, meaningful work that contributes to our mission of building a road to space so our children can build the future.

Join us in developing the next generation of spacecraft that will provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity for Earth orbits, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Your expertise in embedded software will be crucial in creating reliable, efficient, and innovative solutions for the most challenging environments imaginable.

Base Pay Range for: CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35

Other site ranges may differ

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 Affirmative 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.