Principal Software Engineer - Emerging Systems

Principal Software Engineer - Emerging Systems

Define and deliver the software architecture for autonomous satellite systems across multiple spacecraft.

Location: Seattle

Compensation: $230,773 - 323,082 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

About The Role

Blue Origin Satellite Software Architect

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!

This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will drive the development of cutting-edge autonomous systems for our next-generation satellite systems. In this critical leadership position, you will define the software architecture and autonomy capabilities that enable our satellites to operate with unprecedented reliability, flexibility, and intelligence in the dynamic space environment.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the technical authority for satellite software architecture and autonomous systems development, establishing technical direction and standards for the team.
• Define and implement the technical roadmap for satellite autonomy capabilities, including state machines, decision-making algorithms, and fault management systems.
• Design robust, scalable software architectures for space applications that meet rigorous reliability and safety requirements while enabling advanced autonomous capabilities.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of software engineers and autonomy specialists, providing technical mentorship and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Guide the development of sophisticated algorithms for satellite operations, including autonomous navigation, fault detection and recovery, and resource optimization.
• Ensure seamless integration of software systems with spacecraft hardware, ground systems, and other mission elements.
• Oversee the implementation of safety-critical software components that adhere to the highest standards of reliability and fault tolerance.
• Assess emerging technologies and methodologies in machine learning, autonomous systems, and software engineering for potential application to satellite programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems engineering, hardware development, operations, and external partners to align software capabilities with mission requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in software development for complex systems, with at least 5 years focused on autonomous systems, robotics, or space applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in C++ and Python programming in Linux environments.
• Proven experience architecting and implementing state machine-based control systems and autonomous decision-making frameworks.
• Strong background in fault management systems for safety-critical applications.
• Experience with real-time operating systems and embedded software development.
• Proficiency with version control systems, particularly Git, and modern software development practices.
• Track record of technical leadership in complex software projects, including team management and mentoring.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with machine learning applications in autonomous systems, particularly for space or aerospace domains.
• Knowledge of satellite operations, orbital mechanics, and space environment constraints.
• Background in developing software for space-qualified hardware or other resource-constrained platforms.
• Familiarity with spacecraft communication protocols and standards.
• Experience with formal methods for verifying safety-critical software.
• Prior work on multi-satellite systems, constellation management, or distributed space systems.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering tools and methodologies.

Compensation Range for:

CA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 Other site ranges may differ

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.
• 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 Affir​mative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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