Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required)

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Origin in Reston, VA is seeking a senior software engineer to lead the development and integration of secure ground systems for national security missions. You will design, test, and maintain NSS software, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and ensure compliance with applicable security standards and DOORS NG requirements.

The role emphasizes architecture, requirements management, mentorship, and a commitment to safe human spaceflight.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in space mission ground systems, with a focus on NSS software development, standards and requirements.
• Strong understanding of security protocols, encryption, and data integrity principles.
• Proven experience in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.
• Expertise in requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation (DNG)
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work optimally in a dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a varied audience.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground systems advancing capabilities to support NSS initiatives.
• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to capture requirements, define systems architecture, and develop detailed system design specifications.
• Develop software solutions and ensuring compliance with relevant security policies and standards.
• Conduct system‑level testing, solving, and performance optimization to ensure robust and reliable operation of ground systems.
• Support the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance.
• Share technical expertise and mentorship on ground systems engineering standard methodologies, including security, scalability, and maintainability.
• Ensure that all ground systems deployments meet or exceed regulatory and security compliance requirements, including those mandated by the TS/SCI clearance level.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and processes; provide training and support to operational teams as required.
• Engage with external customers, including government agencies and contractors, to align ground systems engineering efforts with broader program objectives.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Strong communication

Problem solving

Inclusion mindset

Security awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field

Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or scientific field

Tools

DOORS Next Generation (DNG)

Python

Java

C++

AWS

Azure

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 is part of Blue National Security (BNS), where our focus is the design, development, and delivery of launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. Through Blue Ring, our all‑in‑one, high-powered hybrid solar‑electric and chemical‑propelled spacecraft, we provide unmatched mission maneuverability, versatility, and capacity at dramatically lower‑profile costs.

Description

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will play a meaningful role in the software lifecycle of ground‑based systems that support our space missions and advancing ground capabilities. This includes understanding of related capabilities such as architectural principles, requirements derivation and the needed software development standards, ensuring secure and efficient development.

We are looking for someone to apply their vision, passion, technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Join us in enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit earth - passion for our mission is required!

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground systems advancing capabilities to support our NSS initiatives.

• Collaborate with multi-functional teams to capture requirements, define systems architecture, and develop detailed system design specifications.

• Develop software solutions and ensuring compliance with relevant security policies and standards.

• Conduct system‑level testing, solving, and performance optimization to ensure robust and reliable operation of ground systems.

• Support the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance.

• Share technical expertise and mentorship on ground systems engineering standard methodologies, including security, scalability, and maintainability.

• Ensure that all ground systems deployments meet or exceed regulatory and security compliance requirements, including those mandated by the TS/SCI clearance level.

• Document system configurations, procedures, and processes; provide training and support to operational teams as required.

• Engage with external customers, including government agencies and contractors, to align ground systems engineering efforts with broader program objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in space mission ground systems, with a focus on NSS software development, standards and requirements.

• Strong understanding of security protocols, encryption, and data integrity principles.

• Proven experience in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.

• Expertise in requirements definition and management, preferably using DOORS Next Generation (DNG)

• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work optimally in a dynamic and collaborative team environment.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to a varied audience.

• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or scientific field.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar.

• Expertise in Agile, DevSecOps, AWS or Azure.

• Experience with spacecraft subsystems and associated subsystem software.

• Experience with communications protocols for space applications (e.g. CCSDS, DDS, GMSEC, etc.)

• Familiarity with system safety analyses techniques including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

• Background in working with and proposing to U.S. Government research agencies (e.g. NASA, AFRL, DARPA)

Base Pay Range for

VA applicants is $197,529.00 - $276,539.55CO applicants is $181,626.00 - $254,275.35

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

• 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 Affiliated Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us [e-mail]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.