MK2 Vehicle Engineering Principal Systems Engineer

Overview 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.

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead system definition, technical integration, and verification execution for the MK2 Crew Lunar Lander . This role drives disciplined end-to-end systems engineering for a crewed lunar landing vehicle , spanning architecture trades, requirements/ICDs, hazard and fault management, and verification closure through integrated vehicle testing and mission readiness. You will serve as a senior technical integrator across propulsion, GN&C, avionics, comms, power, thermal, structures, software, and crew systems, ensuring the lander meets performance, safety, human-rating, and mission objectives in the lunar environment.

Key Responsibilities System Architecture & Mission Integration Lead lander-level architecture trades and system budgets (mass, power, thermal, propellant, delta-V, comms link, pointing, timeline/ops). Develop and maintain vehicle-level CONOPS for crewed lunar descent/ascent, surface operations, and rendezvous/docking phases (as applicable). Define and manage system-level margins, performance closure, and technical decision records.

Requirements, Interfaces, And Configuration Management Own system requirements decomposition, allocation, and traceability (mission → vehicle → subsystem → component). Develop and manage ICDs and interface verification for: Launch vehicle and ground processing/transportation; Crew and mission systems (e.g., docking/transfer interfaces where applicable); Ground segment and mission operations; Test equipment and GSE Drive technical baseline management, change control (CCB), and requirements quality (clear, verifiable, traceable). Human-Rating, Safety, and Fault Management Lead system-level hazard identification/closure, fault tolerance strategy, redundancy, and safe-mode/contingency design for a crewed vehicle.

Guide FMEA/FMECA, FHA/SSHA support, and integrated fault management (FDIR) requirements across avionics, propulsion, and software. Ensure design and verification approach supports human-rating expectations (including rigorous verification evidence and operational controls). Verification & Validation (V&V) and Test Execution Own or co-own the lander verification plan, verification matrix, and compliance evidence strategy.

Define integrated test strategy and success criteria across component, subsystem, and vehicle levels including: Propulsion testing (including cryogenic operations as applicable), pressurization, leak checks; GN&C closed-loop testing / HILEMI/EMC, environmental tests (vibe/shock), thermal balance/TVAC; End-to-end mission simulations and mission readiness activities Lead anomaly triage and root-cause/corrective action closure with cross-functional teams. Cross-Functional Technical Leadership Chair/lead integration forums; resolve subsystem-to-system technical conflicts and drive closure. Mentor engineers and elevate systems engineering rigor (requirements, interface discipline, verification thinking, review readiness).

Support major technical reviews and customer-facing milestones (SRR/PDR/CDR/TRR/FRR) with clear, data-backed messaging. Minimum Qualifications Education: B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering discipline (M.S. preferred). Experience: 10+ years in systems engineering with significant responsibility on complex flight vehicles; experience leading integration and verification is required.

Demonstrated ownership of system requirements, ICDs, and verification closure through test and review milestones. Strong breadth across spacecraft/lander subsystems (propulsion, GN&C, avionics, comms, power, thermal, structures, mechanisms, software). Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and make high-quality trade decisions under schedule pressure.

Preferred Qualifications Prior experience on crewed spacecraft and/or human-rated systems (hazards, fault tolerance, operational mitigations, stringent verification). Experience with lunar missions/environments (dust, lighting extremes, thermal transients, surface operations constraints). Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems, integrated propellant management, and propulsion system verification.

Tool proficiency: requirements management (e.g., Jama), Workflow (e.g., Jira), and configuration management practices. Experience supporting integrated vehicle test campaigns and flight/mission readiness processes. Skills & Competencies Systems thinking and disciplined engineering judgment Requirements craftsmanship (testable, unambiguous, traceable) Interface rigor and integration leadership Structured risk management and technical communication to executives/customers Bias toward data, closure, and end-to-end accountability Compensation & Benefits Compensation Range: CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85; WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25 Other Site Ranges May Differ Culture & Inclusion 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 Blue’s Standard Background Check is required for all positions. Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check may be required for certain profiles if the role requires access to a military installation.

For certain profiles: Driver qualifications and related checks may apply for CDL/transport roles. Benefits Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year plus holidays.

Additional benefits and bonuses may apply based on role type and level; details provided by recruiter. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We hire and promote on the basis of qualifications, performance, and abilities, and provide equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other protected statuses.

We adhere to applicable laws and may consider applicants with criminal histories as allowed by law. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” see the California and other state notices. Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation: Applicants seeking information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans or requiring accommodation should contact EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

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