Blue Origin seeks a Principal Engineer to lead Vision Based Navigation algorithm and software development across multiple lunar missions. This role sets technical direction for computer vision systems, mentors engineers, and drives engineering excellence for spacecraft GN&C. Requires deep expertise in robotics, computer vision, optics, and spaceflight navigation.
Responsibilities
Technical leadership and subject matter expert for Computer Vision development across multiple programs
Establish and enforce best practices for unit testing, integration testing, and V&V of computer vision software modules
Provide technical oversight for integration of computer vision software into vehicle production baselines
Identify systemic gaps and lead development of automation, tooling, and process improvements that scale across the broader engineering organization
Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, elevating the technical capability of the team
Represent the organization in technical reviews, design forums, and cross-program technical exchanges
Drive resolution of the most complex, ambiguous technical challenges spanning multiple subsystems and disciplines
Influence make/buy, build-vs-reuse, and technology roadmap decisions for vision-based navigation
Requirements
M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Robotics, or related Engineering field with 10+ years of demonstrated experience in computer vision application development (or equivalent combination of education/experience)
Blue Origin is a private American space technology company focused on reducing the cost of spaceflight through reusability. It develops and operates rockets, engines, and in-space systems, including the New Shepard and New Glenn launch vehicles, with a vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.
Recognized technical expert in Robotics and Computer Vision applications, with a track record of leading complex system implementations
Deep, demonstrated experience with optics, camera hardware and calibration, including leading trade studies and technical decisions
Foundational understanding in synthetic scene generation and radiometry
Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, set technical direction, and influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries
Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership
Proven ability to earn trust, build consensus across organizations, and champion a culture of safety and technical excellence
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
Nice to Have
Deep expertise in Spaceflight Mechanics, Orbital Dynamics, and Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD)
Experience with development and flight operations of Spacecraft RPOD Computer Vision applications
Recognized expertise in Terrain Relative Optical Navigation and Vision Based Navigation algorithms and software, with prior leadership of related development efforts
Extensive background across individual technical disciplines of spacecraft navigation, orbital guidance, and spacecraft propulsive trajectory and attitude control
Extensive experience with real-time embedded software development on spacecraft or launch vehicle flight systems in C++ or Rust
Experience leading software development efforts under NASA NPR 7150.2D or FAA DO-178C standards
Experience with NASA software, simulation tools, and environments (Trick/JEOD/cFS)
Demonstrated leadership in defining and implementing validation and verification strategies, including software unit testing, system simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or integrated subsystem testing
Experience with collaboration and development tools such as GitLab and Docker
Demonstrated leadership across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements definition through deployment
Experience leading the flow-down of system requirements to the software component level
Extensive avionics hardware and software integration experience
Track record of technical publications, patents, or industry recognition in vision-based navigation or related fields
Benefits
Health insurancedental insurancevision insurancelife insuranceParental leaveretirement planEquity / stock optionstuition reimbursementpaid time off
