Principal Technical Lead Engineer, Rocket Engine Avionics & Control Systems Verified today

About this role

This position is within the Avionics & Control Products (ACP) organization in Blue Origin's Engine Business Unit. You will serve as the primary technical authority for all avionics systems within a specific rocket engine program. You will define and drive the technical architecture, own the avionics system technical baseline, lead design reviews with full technical approval authority, and ensure all deliverables meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability.

There is no standard day in this role. You will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team across all phases of development, from customer use case elicitation through full-scale hot-fire test and flight operations. You may be architecting a new generation engine control system, leading a failure review board, reviewing control algorithms for stability margins, driving interface negotiations with vehicle teams, or mentoring engineers through systems integration challenges. Position requires up to 10% travel to rocket engine test sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the avionics and control system technical baseline for the assigned rocket engine program; define and drive the technical vision, architecture, and long-term engineering roadmap.
• Lead decomposition and allocation of engine-specific avionics requirements; establish and maintain system-level requirements, interface control documents, and design standards.
• Lead all design reviews for assigned engine avionics systems with full technical approval authority.
• Identify, characterize, and drive resolution of complex system-level technical risks across multiple concurrent development programs.
• Provide technical oversight for integration of avionics hardware, software, control algorithms, sensors, actuators, and harnessing into test facilities and onto rocket engines.
• Develop and maintain model-based design frameworks, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test strategies.
• Collaborate with program leadership, chief engineers, and functional managers to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and mission objectives.
• Champion engineering best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned across the ACP organization.
• Lead identification, assessment, and mitigation of technical risks; drive technology maturation and identify emerging technology opportunities.
• Mentor and develop engineers at all levels; actively contribute to a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Support and provide technical oversight during critical test campaigns and flight operations.
• Partner with Enterprise functions to ensure producibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of designs.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related technical field.
• 10 or more years of experience in avionics systems, control systems, or closely related engineering field, with demonstrated progression to senior or lead technical roles.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in avionics architecture, embedded systems design, and control system development for flight or propulsion applications.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional technical programs or subsystems from concept through qualification and operational deployment.
• Strong working knowledge of control theory, digital signal processing, and closed-loop system design for engine or propulsion applications.
• Experience defining and managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification/validation strategies across hardware and software domains.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence technical teams and stakeholders without direct authority.
• Proficiency in model-based design and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and scripting languages (Python or equivalent).
• Experience with data communication protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, CAN, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective working relationships that improve team performance and strengthen a culture of inclusivity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical topics to senior leadership.
• 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

• M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience across multiple rocket engine or propulsion programs in varying stages of development.
• Familiarity with safety-critical software development standards (e.g., DO-178C, IEC 61508, or equivalent).
• Experience with fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) design for flight-critical avionics systems.
• Proficiency in Rust, C, or C++ for embedded or real-time systems development.
• Experience with physics-based modeling tools (e.g., AMESIM, Modelica, or similar) for propulsion system simulation.
• Familiarity with configuration management, requirements management, and product lifecycle management tools (e.g., Windchill, DOORS, or similar).
• Experience supporting or leading test campaigns at rocket engine test facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain multi-year product and technology roadmaps.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range: CA applicants $183,193 - $256,469.85; CO applicants $173,466 - $242,851.35; WA applicants $183,193 - $256,469.85. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, Education Support Program, and stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours/week. Paid Time Off: up to four weeks per year based on scheduled hours, plus up to 14 company-paid holidays. Employees may be eligible for bonuses based on individual contributions and company performance.