Software Emulation Engineer - Blue Ring (TS/SCI Desired)

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 164,652 - 230,512; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation provided

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Blue Origin in Seattle seeks experienced software engineers to develop and maintain high-fidelity hardware emulations as part of its In-Space Systems unit. This role involves creating software that ensures accurate simulation of flight hardware performance, critical for testing Blue Ring spacecraft capabilities.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 5+ years in software development for embedded systems, with strong skills in C/C++, and familiarity with digital communication protocols.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in software development for embedded systems, simulation, or hardware emulation/testing.
• Solid understanding of computer architecture concepts (e.g., CPU, memory, buses, interrupts).
• Exceptionally organized great teammate with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the software framework for hardware emulation.
• Develop, test, and maintain software drivers for emulation hardware interfaces.
• Debug complex issues at the software‑hardware interface.

Skills

C / C++ development

Python or similar scripting

Real-time operating systems

Embedded control systems

Debugging

Digital communication protocols

Education

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

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

Git

Simics

MATLAB and Simulink

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!

Role Overview

The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, focused on addressing space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit. As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will own the development and integration of high‑fidelity hardware emulations onto various Blue Ring Integration & Test Platforms. The Blue Ring spacecraft is the "Swiss Army Knife of satellites" and can support a variety of missions in Earth orbit domains out to the cislunar region—including transporting, hosting payloads, refueling satellites, and performing data relay, storage, and compute via our in‑space edge compute capability.

In this role, you will be the bridge between our complex vehicle simulations and our flight hardware. You will be responsible for creating an emulated hardware environment that is indistinguishable from the flight hardware performance. This involves developing low‑level device drivers and models, integrating simulation environments with emulation equipment, and performing rigorous testing to validate that the emulation is a precise match. Your work will directly enable robust, early‑stage testing and verification of our Blue Ring products, accelerating our development timelines and ensuring mission success.

Special Mentions

• Relocation provided
• 10‑15% domestic travel required
• Active TS/SCI clearance desired

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the software framework for a high‑fidelity, real‑time hardware emulation.
• Develop, test, and maintain software drivers for emulation hardware interfaces.
• Integrate vehicle component simulations with the hardware emulation platform.
• Develop and execute test plans, automation scripts, and procedures to validate the functionality and performance of the emulated system against the flight hardware.
• Debug complex issues at the software‑hardware interface, identifying and resolving discrepancies between the emulation and the physical hardware.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in software development for embedded systems, simulation, or hardware emulation/testing.
• Proficient in C / C++ development
• Skilled in Python or a similar scripting language for test automation and data analysis.
• In‑depth knowledge of real‑time operating systems and embedded control systems, including APIs, interfaces, and device drivers
• Solid understanding of computer architecture concepts (e.g., CPU, memory, buses, interrupts).
• Familiarity with digital communication protocols such as Ethernet, Spacewire, CAN, I2C, SPI, or UART.
• Exceptionally organized great teammate with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• 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

Desired Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance desired
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of relevant experience developing software simulation testbeds for innovative and large‑scale engineering systems
• Experience developing software for a Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop vehicle simulator
• Proficient with Docker, Kubernetes, and containerization
• Hands‑on experience with CI/CD pipelines, Git, GitLab, or GitHub
• Familiar with hardware emulation tools like Simics
• Understanding of electrical and electronic engineering concepts
• Solid grasp of IP networking
• Competent in MATLAB and Simulink
• Acquainted with GNC systems and 6DOF dynamics
• Proficient with DOORs Next Generation, SVN, Jenkins

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $164,652.00 - $230,512.80

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 (CDL drivers only), 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 workforce. 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 affirmative 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.