Senior Embedded Software Engineering Manager – Blue National Security

Blue Origin LLC; Littleton (CO); Hybrid; USD 181,000 - 254,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Blue Origin LLC in Littleton, CO, is seeking an experienced embedded software leader to guide a team delivering mission-critical software for national security programs. The role balances hands-on development with strategic leadership and process-definition responsibilities.

Ideal candidates have deep expertise in embedded C/C++, real-time systems, and aerospace/defense software practices, plus a proven track record managing multi-person teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 8+ years in embedded software development with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Hands-on proficiency in embedded software development practices and tools.
• 2+ years managing teams developing real-time embedded software for aerospace or defense applications.
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible for work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of embedded software engineers developing mission-critical software for Blue Origin’s National Security programs.
• Contribute to technical design and implementation of embedded software systems, dedicating ~50% to hands-on development.
• Establish technical direction and software development processes for embedded systems.
• Write, review, and debug code to maintain quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure software integrates with hardware.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Leadership

Team management

Real-time embedded

Communication

Education

Bachelors in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Embedded toolchain

Job description

Special Mentions

Location: Littleton, CO

Relocation: Relocation assistance provided

Role Balance: 50% technical hands‑on work and 50% people leadership

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead a team of embedded software engineers developing mission‑critical software for Blue Origin’s National Security programs
• Actively contribute to technical design and implementation of embedded software systems, dedicating approximately 50% of time to hands‑on development
• Establish technical direction and software development processes for embedded systems in alignment with Blue Origin’s National Security business unit objectives
• Write, review, and debug code alongside team members to maintain technical proficiency and ensure quality standards
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure software integration with hardware systems meets performance requirements
• Manage project schedules, resource allocation, and technical risk mitigation strategies
• Implement and maintain software development lifecycle processes compliant with security requirements
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineering team members, focusing 50% of time on team development and management
• Interface with government and industry partners on classified programs
• Ensure software quality, reliability, and security through rigorous testing and validation procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in embedded software development with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Current hands‑on technical proficiency in embedded software development practices and tools
• 2+ years of experience managing teams developing real‑time embedded software for aerospace or defense applications
• Proficiency in embedded C/C++ programming
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to lead technical discussions
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense embedded software development
• Experience with NASA and/or Space Force Standards Knowledge of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems
• Experience with FPGA integration and hardware/software co‑design
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical contributions with leadership responsibilities
• Experience with Agile/Scrum development methodologies in regulated environments

Base Pay Range for: CO applicants is $181,144.00 - $253,601.25

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, 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 Affidative 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. California Applicant Privacy Notice.