Sr. Compute Hardware Engineer – GPU Systems, Project Sunrise

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Stock options

Education Support Program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a senior hardware engineer to own GPU-based compute payloads for our orbital data centers. You will lead the design of GPU modules, interconnect fabrics, and high-speed interfaces, ensuring robustness in harsh space environments and radiation conditions.

You will evaluate and qualify GPU devices, drive qualification plans, and collaborate with systems teams to optimize hardware for AI/HPC workloads. A strong track record in space-grade hardware is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in HPC hardware design or similar role.
• Deep architectural knowledge of modern GPU/TPU ecosystem.
• Experience with high-speed interconnects such as PCIe, NVLink.
• Experience taking complex hardware from concept to manufacturing and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Define the payload compute architecture, including GPU density, memory subsystems, and interconnect topology.
• Own the design of the GPU compute module, including board layout, signal integrity, mounting, and thermal interface.
• Engage GPU providers to align roadmaps with mission requirements.
• Lead selection and qualification of GPU devices for space environment, including SEU and TID considerations.
• Develop and own the GPU module qualification plan, including radiation testing and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Collaborate with systems engineers to optimize hardware for AI/HPC workloads.
• Define the compute fabric architecture including switch selection and topology design.

Skills

GPU systems engineering

HPC hardware design

High-speed interconnects

Space hardware experience

Thermal management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Join Blue Origin as we build infrastructure in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re developing a satellite constellation of orbital data centers, Sunrise, designed to transform how compute infrastructure is deployed and leveraged. Our team is developing next-generation spacecraft that push the boundaries of performance and capability in orbit. We are seeking a senior hardware engineer to own the design and development of the GPU-based compute payloads at the heart of our constellation. This is a rare opportunity to apply your deep expertise in high-performance computing and GPU system architecture to the unique challenges of the space environment. You will be responsible for everything from GPU selection and qualification to the design of the compute modules and interconnect fabric that form our orbital data center. If you are a world-class expert in GPU systems and are looking for a mission that will redefine the boundaries of computing, this role is for you.

Responsibilities Include But Not Limited To

• Define the payload compute architecture, including GPU density, memory subsystems, and the high-speed interconnect topology (e.g., NVLink/PCIe).
• Own the design of the GPU compute module, encompassing board layout, high-speed signal integrity, mechanical mounting, and the thermal interface to the spacecraft's cooling systems.
• Engage directly with GPU providers to communicate our unique system requirements, define needs, and influence future hardware designs to ensure their roadmaps align with our mission.
• Lead the selection and rigorous qualification of GPU devices and other components for the space environment, analyzing TID tolerance, SEU susceptibility, and thermal/power constraints.
• Develop and own the GPU module qualification plan, including radiation testing, thermal cycling, vibration, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and software teams to ensure hardware is optimized for our target AI/HPC workloads.
• A key area of ownership for this role is the definition of the compute fabric architecture, including switch selection, topology design, and configuration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in high-performance computing (HPC) hardware design, GPU systems engineering, or a similar role.
• Deep architectural knowledge of the modern GPU/TPU ecosystem.
• Demonstrated experience designing complex systems using high-speed interconnects such as PCIe, NVLink, or the like.
• Proven experience taking at least one complex hardware product through the full design lifecycle, from concept to manufacturing and customer deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in a hardware engineering or system design role for large-scale data center or cloud computing infrastructure.
• 10-15+ years of experience in a senior or principal hardware engineering role at a major cloud provider, HPC vendor, or semiconductor company.
• Direct experience designing compute sleds, nodes, or systems with NVSwitch or PCIe switch fabrics.
• Experience qualifying hardware for harsh environments (e.g., space, automotive, industrial, telecom), including thermal, vibration, and/or EMI/EMC testing.
• Familiarity with the effects of radiation on electronics (e.g., Single Event Upsets (SEU), Total Ionizing Dose (TID)) is a strong differentiator.
• Passion for and understanding AI and Machine Learning applications in engineering, with a demonstrated ability to learn and integrate new technologies.
• Proven ability to lead complex hardware projects from concept through to deployment.

Additional Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.

Base Pay Range For

CO applicants is $144,179.00 - $201,849.90 WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45

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 Affiant 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.