Qualifications
Responsibilities
Benefits
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.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.Join Blue Origin's Blue National Security team as an Avionics Systems Engineer and become a key architect of Blue Ring—our next-generation satellite bus platform that will enable critical missions beyond Earth's atmosphere. This isn't just another engineering role; it's your opportunity to design the command and data handling systems that will power humanity's expansion into space.
As an Avionics Systems Engineer, you'll pioneer novel data handling architectures for national security space missions, working at the intersection of hardware innovation, software development, and communications security. You'll be hands-on with cutting-edge Command and Data Handling (C&DH) systems and encryption architectures, collaborating directly with core hardware developers, software engineers, and communication security specialists to solve challenges that have never been tackled before.
You're not just building components—you're creating the foundational infrastructure that future space missions will depend on. Every architecture decision you make, every system you design, will ripple through missions that expand human presence in space and protect national interests from orbit.
Responsibilities:
Participate in C&DH system architecture, trade studies, and concept development with integrated cryptographic and cybersecurity features—from requirements through operations support
Translate system data handling and security requirements into actionable subsystem and component-level specifications, ensuring compliance across the design lifecycle
Own verification and validation planning, partnering with integration and test teams to validate data handling and encryption hardware against requirements
Drive technical excellence through participation in design reviews and cross-functional collaboration with hardware development teams
Qualifications:
B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 5+ years industry experience developing avionics systems
Expertise in delivering mission-critical C&DH systems including data handling architectures and cryptographic systems
Familiarity with common spacecraft interfaces (Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire) and digital/analog electrical interfaces (I2C, SPI, Serial)
Strong foundation in layer 2/3 networking concepts (Ethernet, VLANs, QoS, IP, TCP/UDP, routing)
Experience with requirements definition and decomposition, interface control, and verification
Exceptional communicator and collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments, analyzes complex systems effectively, and builds trusted relationships across teams
Desired (but not required):
NSA Type 1 encryption device expertise including certification processes, TEMPEST/EMSEC requirements, and CNSSI 1253/NIST 800-53 controls for space systems
Experience interfacing with NSA, COMSEC custodians, or CCI handling, with proven ability to deliver space-qualified integrated hardware/software components
Space environment design expertise including radiation effects, SEU mitigation, parts selection, processor/storage architectures, and CCSDS communication protocols
Proficiency withelectrical system design and analysis tools (Altium/OrCAD/KiCad, LTspice, MS Visio)
Experience with scripting languages such as Python
Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70Other 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.
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