Systems Engineer III (Remote Sensing Systems Architecture)

Blue Origin; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 121,023 - 169,432; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Blue Origin seeks a Systems Engineer III in Reston, VA to develop advanced space-based sensing systems. You will be responsible for system requirements, trade studies, and collaboration across teams. An active TS//SCI security clearance is mandatory. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and experience with radar system modeling tools.

This role offers relocation assistance and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. Join us in our mission of expanding humanity's presence in space!

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in a related technical field.
• 5+ years of systems engineering experience.
• Familiarity with RF sensing systems.
• Active TS//SCI security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain systems requirements for sensing systems.
• Conduct architecture trade studies and evaluate design alternatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Perform RF system performance assessments and analyses.

Skills

Systems engineering

RF system performance analysis

Technical documentation

Requirements management tools

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

DOORS

MATLAB

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!

The role is part of the In‑Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on‑orbit.

Systems Engineer III (Remote Sensing Systems Architecture)

Blue National Security | Special Programs | Mission Engineering & Architecture

The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, which is focused on delivering advanced space‑based capabilities in support of national security missions. Within the Special Programs organization, this team operates at the forefront of mission engineering and architecture, developing next‑generation space systems that address the most demanding and consequential challenges in the defense domain.

Special Mentions

• Relocation assistance is available for this position
• This role may be performed from any of Blue Origin’s primary U.S. locations, including but not limited to: Kent, WA; Denver, CO; Huntsville, AL; Reston, VA; Los Angeles, CA
• Travel expectation: up to 10%
• This is an individual contributor role
• An active TS//SCI security clearance is required prior to start

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and maintain system‑level requirements for advanced space‑based sensing systems, ensuring traceability from mission objectives through subsystem specifications
• Conduct architecture trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, performance margins, and technical feasibility across competing system concepts
• Author and review key systems engineering artifacts including Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs)
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including payload, spacecraft bus, ground systems, and mission operations to ensure end‑to‑end system coherence and performance closure
• Support design review cycles and provide technical inputs to program milestones and decision gates
• Perform RF system performance assessments, link budget analyses, and system‑level sensitivity studies relevant to space‑based sensing architectures
• Engage with government customers and mission partners to understand operational needs and translate them into actionable system requirements and performance specifications
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and technical performance measurement (TPM) tracking throughout the program lifecycle
• Contribute to the development of program‑level technical documentation, white papers, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing system‑level requirements using requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, or equivalent)
• Experience with space‑based RF sensing or surveillance system architectures
• Familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) signal processing concepts and their implications on system design
• Experience with RF or sensing system performance analysis, including link budgets, system noise figure, and coverage/revisit analysis
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and standards (e.g., NASA/DoD SE frameworks, MIL‑STD‑499, or equivalent)
• Experience supporting formal design reviews and generating associated technical artifacts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical documentation and present to varying audiences
• Active TS//SCI security clearance
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with radar system performance modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or custom simulation environments)
• Familiarity with space environment effects on RF systems, including ionospheric propagation and thermal environment impacts on system performance
• Prior experience working within a Special Programs or classified program environment
• Experience interfacing with DoD or Intelligence Community (IC) customers

Compensation Range

CA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20 CO applicants is $110,938.00 - $155,312.85 WA applicants is $121,023.00 - $169,432.20

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 Affr **Correction: The last paragraph was truncated.**