Senior Perception Lead - Autonomous Navigation Systems

Blue Origin LLC; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 144,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Stock options

Education support

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Perception Lead to drive the technical direction of computer vision and sensor fusion for autonomous navigation and situational awareness in next-generation space systems.

You will define perception architecture, guide algorithm development, and ensure onboard perception can operate reliably in dynamic environments, on-orbit and in national-security contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Robotics or related field or equivalent experience
• 8+ years in computer vision, sensor fusion, or perception for autonomous systems
• Leadership experience guiding perception architecture and strategy without formal management authority
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for perception algorithms
• Hands-on with sensor fusion (Kalman/particle filters) across multiple sensors
• Experience with object detection, tracking, and classification, including deep learning methods
• Familiarity with real-time/embedded software constraints
• Ability to obtain/maintain US government security clearance

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of perception algorithms for autonomous navigation and situational awareness
• Architect and implement CV and sensor fusion pipelines using cameras, LiDAR, RADAR, and IMU
• Define technical strategy and roadmaps for perception subsystems aligning with autonomy goals
• Guide development for object detection, tracking, and scene understanding in dynamic environments
• Enforce best practices for perception software development, testing, and V&V
• Collaborate with autonomy, GN&C, avionics, and systems engineering teams to integrate perception
• Support HITL and SITL testing, field and flight campaigns for perception validation
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance without formal supervision
• Communicate findings and risks to leadership, customers, and stakeholders
• Stay current with state-of-the-art perception and ML techniques and assess relevance

Skills

C++

Python

Sensor fusion

Object detection

RT/Embedded constraints

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Tools

ROS/ROS2

CUDA

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Perception Lead to drive the technical direction of computer vision and sensor fusion for autonomous navigation and situational awareness in next-generation space systems.

You will define perception architecture, guide algorithm development, and ensure onboard perception can operate reliably in dynamic environments, on-orbit and in national-security contexts.