Principal Systems Architect (Remote Sensing Systems)

Principal Architect (Remote Sensing Systems)

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 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:

• Serve as the senior technical authority for space system architecture within the Special Programs organization, providing vision and direction for mission-driven system concepts
• Lead end-to-end architecture definition for advanced space-based sensing systems, from mission concept formulation through preliminary design, ensuring alignment with customer objectives and operational requirements
• Drive system-level trade space exploration across competing architectures, evaluating performance, cost, schedule, and risk to inform program decisions at the highest levels
• Develop and own the overarching system architecture baseline, including CONOPs, system-level requirements, interface definitions, and key performance parameters (KPPs)
• Provide authoritative technical guidance on RF system design, sensing system performance, and space segment architecture to program teams and leadership
• Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, fostering technical excellence, rigorous engineering discipline, and a culture of innovation
• Represent the program at senior-level technical reviews, customer engagements, and government forums; serve as the primary technical voice for architecture decisions
• Identify and resolve complex, cross-cutting technical challenges that span multiple subsystems and program boundaries
• Collaborate with business development and capture teams to shape new program opportunities, contribute to proposals, and define technical approaches for future missions
• Maintain awareness of the broader national security space landscape, emerging threats, and evolving customer needs to inform long-range architecture strategy
• Partner with government customers and mission partners to translate high-level operational needs into technically sound and executable system architectures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• 12+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering or architecture within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain
• Demonstrated experience leading the architecture and design of complex space or airborne sensing systems from concept through CDR or beyond
• Experience architecting space-based RF sensing or surveillance systems, with a strong understanding of the full sensing chain from aperture to exploitation
• Deep familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) and/or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) processing architectures and their system-level design implications
• Experience with UHF-band system design, including propagation characteristics, antenna aperture trades, and ionospheric effects
• Deep expertise in RF system performance analysis, including link budgets, radar system design fundamentals, and space segment performance modeling
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and driving architecture decisions in a matrixed, program-driven environment
• Experience engaging directly with DoD or Intelligence Community customers at a senior technical level
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and executive 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 or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency in MBSE tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw or equivalent SysML-based platforms, with experience establishing MBSE frameworks at the program level
• Experience with radar system performance modeling and simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or custom tools)
• Prior experience in a Special Programs or SAP environment, with familiarity with associated security protocols and program management practices
• Experience contributing to new business capture, including technical volume authorship and oral presentation support
• Familiarity with space acquisition frameworks, including DoD 5000-series, JCIDS, and IC acquisition processes

Compensation Range for:

• CA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85
• CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35
• WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85

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