Sr. Mission Systems Engineer

Application close date:

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!  

SENIOR MISSION SYSTEMS ENGINEER

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.

Overview

As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer within the Mission Engineering & Architecture organization, you will serve as a technical authority and owner for the end-to-end development of a new and exciting mission area for Blue Origin. This senior-level opportunity is for a seasoned and expert engineer who can thrive in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, providing technical clarity and strategic direction with minimal supervision. You will be directly responsible for architecting, defining, and ensuring the technical success of complex space missions, serving as a key technical mentor and leader for the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the definition and development of mission architectures, concepts of operations (CONOPS), and end-to-end system designs for first-of-a-kind space systems.

• Architect and manage the complete system requirements baseline, including decomposition, allocation, and traceability to ensure mission success.

• Lead and adjudicate critical trade studies that drive major architectural and design decisions, balancing performance, cost, schedule, and risk.

• Establish and oversee the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) framework and strategy for the mission, ensuring the integrity and utility of the system model.

• Serve as the technical authority for all system interfaces, chairing interface control working groups and ensuring seamless integration between vehicle, payload, and ground segments.

• Mentor and guide multidisciplinary teams, setting the standard for systems engineering excellence and ensuring a cohesive and robust system design.

• Own the system-level verification, validation, and test strategy, ensuring a comprehensive plan is in place to demonstrate that all mission objectives will be met.

• Chair and serve as the primary technical signatory for major program design reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR), and represent the mission's technical interests to leadership and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering, mission design, or complex system development within the aerospace industry.

• Proven track record of technical leadership and ownership on complex aerospace programs, with a demonstrated ability to lead projects from concept to completion.

• Deep proficiency with the systems engineering lifecycle and best practices, especially as applied to "clean sheet" or novel system designs.

• Expertise in leading complex, multi-variable trade studies and performing detailed systems analysis.

• Proficiency with scripting and analysis using tools such as Python or MATLAB.

• Deep proficiency with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies (e.g., Cameo/SysML).

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to mentor engineers and provide clear technical guidance.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. security clearance. An active TS clearance is highly preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Master of Science degree or higher in a relevant engineering or technical discipline.

• 12+ years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry.

• Demonstrated experience as a Chief Engineer, Lead Systems Engineer, or IPT lead for a major subsystem or vehicle.

• Experience leading a major system development effort through multiple program lifecycle milestones (concept to flight).

• Recognized expertise in orbital mechanics, mission design, and spacecraft subsystem performance analysis.

• Expertise with requirements management and verification tools (e.g., DOORS Next Generation).

• Experience with national security space missions or other government-led space development programs.

Why Blue Origin

At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, Gradatim Ferociter, meaning "Step by Step, Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, and we're committed to building the road to get there. As a Senior Mission Systems Engineer, you will be a critical architect of this future, applying your expertise to solve some of the most complex challenges in spaceflight.

You'll join a passionate team of problem-solvers working to overcome some of the most challenging technical obstacles in modern spaceflight. Your contributions will directly impact Blue Origin's mission to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make history as we open access to space.

Join us as we take the next giant leap for humanity.

Blue Origin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Range for:

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.

• 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 submit 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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