Senior Perception Architect, Autonomous Space Systems

Blue Origin; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 144,179 - 201,849; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Perception Lead to steer computer vision and sensor fusion for autonomous navigation and targeting of next-generation space systems. You will define perception architecture and guide algorithm development as an individual contributor and technical authority.

This high-impact role requires deep technical expertise, strong cross-team collaboration with autonomy, avionics, and systems engineering, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while delivering

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in computer vision, sensor fusion, or perception algorithm development for autonomous systems.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python for perception development.
• Experience with object detection, tracking, and classification using deep learning.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Technical leadership experience guiding perception architecture and algorithm strategy without formal management authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of perception algorithms for autonomous navigation, targeting, and situational awareness systems.
• Architect and implement computer vision and sensor fusion pipelines using data from cameras, LIDAR, RADAR, or other onboard sensors.
• Define technical strategy and roadmaps for perception subsystems, aligning with vehicle autonomy and mission objectives.
• Drive algorithm development for object detection, tracking, classification, and scene understanding in dynamic, resource-constrained environments.
• Establish and enforce best practices for perception software development, testing, and validation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with autonomy, guidance navigation & control, avionics, and systems engineering teams to integrate perception into flight systems.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop testing, and field and flight test campaigns to validate perception algorithm performance.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level perception engineers, without formal supervisory responsibility.
• Communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to program leadership, customers, and stakeholders.
• Stay current with state-of-the-art perception, computer vision, and machine learning techniques and assess applicability to Blue Origin's mission needs.
• Support proposal development, technical reviews, and customer engagements as needed.

Skills

C++

Python

Sensor fusion

Perception algorithms

Real-time/embedded

Communication skills

Education

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

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

ROS/ROS2

CUDA

Kalman filtering

Particle filtering

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Perception Lead to steer computer vision and sensor fusion for autonomous navigation and targeting of next-generation space systems. You will define perception architecture and guide algorithm development as an individual contributor and technical authority.

This high-impact role requires deep technical expertise, strong cross-team collaboration with autonomy, avionics, and systems engineering, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while delivering