Principal Engineer – Vision Based Navigation

About this role

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!   

This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s Blue Moon landers and related products. To further Blue Origin's mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.

As part of a hardworking team of specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will drive the architecture, strategy, and execution of Vision Based Navigation Algorithms and Software across multiple lunar missions. You will set technical direction for flight algorithm baselines, measurement performance analysis, vision navigation mathematical modeling, synthetic image validation, hardware testing, and cross-spacecraft interfaces critical to mission closure. You will serve as a primary technical authority engaging cross-program organizations to ensure spacecraft as-built configurations meets mission requirements. You will provide technical leadership across the integrated GN&C subsystem lifecycle—from preliminary system definition and detailed subsystem design through performance analysis, vehicle assembly, verification, system validation, mission certification, and operations.

We are looking for a recognized technical expert who can shape the future of vision-based navigation for human lunar exploration, mentor engineers across the organization, and drive engineering excellence at scale. Passion for our mission and vision is required! Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • 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

Minimum Qualifications • M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Robotics, or related Engineering field with 10+ years of demonstrated experience computer vision application development (or equivalent combination of education/experience) • 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.

Preferred Qualifications • 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

  Base Pay Range for: CO applicants is $218,520.00 - $305,926.95
WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 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,

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