Senior Perception Lead (Vehicle Autonomy)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Education Support Program

Medical/dental/vision

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Senior Perception Lead to guide perception architecture, CV and sensor fusion for autonomous navigation and mission-critical space systems. You will define strategy and collaborate across autonomy, avionics, and systems teams to integrate perception into flight hardware and software.

The role requires hands-on technical leadership, deep expertise in perception and machine learning, and the ability to influence program direction in a high-stakes environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field (CS/EE/Robotics).
• 8+ years in computer vision, sensor fusion, or perception for autonomous systems.
• Technical leadership without formal management authority.
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python for perception development.
• Experience with multiple sensors (camera, LIDAR, RADAR, IMU).
• Experience with object detection, tracking, and classification; deep learning is a plus.
• Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. 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 multiple sensors.
• Define strategy/roadmaps for perception subsystems aligned with autonomy goals.
• Drive algorithms for object detection, tracking, and scene understanding in dynamic environments.
• Establish best practices for testing and validation of perception software.
• Collaborate with autonomy, guidance, avionics, and systems engineering teams to integrate perception into flight systems.
• Mentor junior/mid-level perception engineers without formal supervisory duties.
• Communicate findings and risks to program leadership and customers.
• Stay current with state-of-the-art perception techniques and assess applicability.

Skills

C++

Python

Sensor fusion

Computer vision

Deep learning

Communication

Security clearance

Education

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

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

ROS/ROS2

CUDA

GPGPU

Job description

Overview

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 are developing 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! The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which focuses on space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

Location: Denver, CO (primary); Huntsville, AL

Relocation assistance provided

Travel: Up to 25% travel required

About the Role

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Perception Lead to drive the technical direction of computer vision and sensor fusion algorithm development supporting autonomous navigation, targeting, and situational awareness capabilities for next-generation space systems. As an individual contributor and technical authority, you will define the perception architecture, guide algorithm development, and ensure autonomous systems can reliably sense, interpret, and respond to complex, dynamic environments — both on-orbit and in support of national security missions.

This is a high-impact, hands-on technical leadership role for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of deep technical expertise and mission-critical influence.

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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of professional experience in computer vision, sensor fusion, or perception algorithm development for autonomous systems
• Technical leadership experience guiding perception architecture and algorithm strategy without formal management authority
• Strong proficiency in C++ and/or Python for perception algorithm development
• Hands-on experience with sensor fusion techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering, particle filtering) using data from multiple sensor modalities (camera, LIDAR, RADAR, IMU)
• Experience with object detection, tracking, and classification algorithms, including deep learning approaches
• Familiarity with real-time or embedded software development constraints
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to influence technical direction across teams
• U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, as required by program needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Experience developing perception systems for autonomous navigation, rendezvous & proximity operations (RPO), or targeting applications in aerospace, defense, or robotics domains
• Experience with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 or similar robotics middleware
• Experience with GPU-accelerated computing (e.g., CUDA) for real-time perception processing
• Prior experience supporting national security or defense-related programs
• Active U.S. government security clearance
• Experience with flight or field-testing of autonomous perception systems
• Publications or patents in computer vision, sensor fusion, or related perception fields

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range for CO applicants is $144,179.00 - $201,849.90

Other site ranges may differ

Culture and Compliance

Culture: If your experience does not align with every desired qualification, you are encouraged to apply anyway.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions
• Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check may be required for roles on a military installation
• FDL/Driver qualifications and related regulatory requirements may apply for certain roles

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with match up to 5%, and Education Support Program
• Stock options for regular employees (at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off up to four weeks per year plus holidays
• Role-based bonuses and other factors at company discretion; details provided by recruiter

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire based on qualifications, performance, and abilities and provide equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Details provided in the Know Your Rights statement and related policies.