Principal Constellation Technical Lead, pLEO Systems

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.

Blue Origin's National Security Programs division is seeking a visionary Principal Constellation Technical Lead to spearhead our advanced proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellation programs. As the technical cornerstone of our constellation architecture team, you'll drive innovation at the intersection of cutting-edge space technology and mission-critical national security applications.

In this pivotal role, you'll serve as the primary technical authority for constellation-level design, integration, and optimization, creating cohesive system performance across multiple spacecraft while bridging the gap between business development teams and engineering execution teams. Your expertise will directly influence the architecture of next-generation space systems that enhance global connectivity and security.

Special Mentions:

• Position is open to working at any major Blue Origin worksite
• Comprehensive relocation assistance available
• Position requires approximately 30% travel
• Active Top Secret security clearance desired

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Pioneer the technical development and optimization of pLEO constellation architectures that revolutionize space-based communications and sensing capabilities for national security applications
• Lead constellation-level architecture decisions, including orbital configuration, inter-satellite links, ground segment integration, and deployment strategies that maximize system resilience and performance
• Serve as the primary technical authority representing Blue Origin's capabilities to customers, translating complex technical concepts into compelling value propositions
• Develop constellation-level requirements that strategically balance performance, cost, schedule, and manufacturability for high-volume satellite production
• Drive technical proposal development for RFIs/RFPs, leading customer engagements and technical presentations that showcase Blue Origin's unique capabilities
• Conduct sophisticated trade studies to optimize constellation performance, resilience, and total cost of ownership while meeting stringent national security requirements
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the constellation lifecycle, ensuring mission success from design through deployment and operations

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in satellite systems engineering with progressive leadership responsibilities
• Experience with commercial satellite constellation architecture, design, and deployment
• Demonstrated experience in technical proposal development and customer engagement for commercial space programs
• Strong understanding of constellation-level design considerations including orbital mechanics, coverage analysis, and system-of-systems engineering
• Experience leading technical teams through complex constellation development lifecycles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in relevant engineering discipline
• 15+ years of experience in satellite systems engineering with significant constellation leadership experience
• Direct experience with pLEO constellation architecture development, deployment, and operations
• Experience with mass-production techniques for satellite manufacturing and constellation deployment strategies
• Track record of successful proposal development and contract capture for national security space programs
• Experience with inter-satellite link technologies, constellation management systems, and autonomous operations
• Knowledge of national security space requirements and mission assurance processes
• Strong presentation and technical writing skills with ability to communicate complex constellation architectures to both technical and business stakeholders

Compensation Range for:
CA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

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 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 Affirmative 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.