Avionics Systems Engineer II

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. This role is part of the Blue Origin Engines business unit, focusing on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of engines and propulsion systems for commercial, civil, national security, and human spaceflight.

About the role

As an Avionics Systems Engineer III, you will be responsible for both the technical definition of avionics systems and the programmatic execution required to deliver them. You will develop and manage system requirements, define interfaces, and lead verification activities while simultaneously owning task integration, procurement tracking, lines of balance, and build coordination. This position serves as the bridge between engineering rigor and program execution, requiring comfort with both technical specifications and agile project management. The role requires up to 10% travel to rocket engine test sites and manufacturing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) responsibly to improve program execution without introducing program risk.
• Develop, allocate, and manage system and subsystem requirements using tools such as Jama, IBM DOORS, or equivalent; maintain bidirectional traceability from customer and mission needs through subsystem specifications.
• Define system and subsystem interfaces through Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Requirements Documents (IRDs); coordinate interface agreements across avionics, software, structures, propulsion, and test teams.
• Develop and maintain Verification and Validation (V&V) plans, requirements verification traceability matrices (RVTM), and test plans; coordinate verification activities across hardware, software, and integration test teams.
• Lead and support formal systems engineering design reviews, including developing entrance and exit criteria, preparing technical data packages, and driving action items to closure.
• Conduct and document trade studies and system-level analyses to inform architectural and design decisions; present findings and recommendations to technical leads and program leadership.
• Define, track, and report Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) against system requirements; identify negative margin trends early and drive corrective actions through the engineering team.
• Develop, maintain, and manage a comprehensive agile task board, including all critical linkages and dependencies for assigned avionics hardware programs.
• Create and maintain lines of balance (LOB) to track hardware production flow; partner with Operations and Supply Chain to identify bottlenecks and forecast hardware availability.
• Initiate and track procurement activities for avionics hardware, including partnering with Supply Chain for purchase requisitions, supplier deliverables, and long-lead item management.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to coordinate and schedule build and assembly activities; monitor execution and resolve schedule drivers in real time.
• Manage the movement of avionics hardware between facilities, test sites, and customer delivery locations, including coordination of shipping, handling, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Support hardware sustainment activities, including tracking units in service, managing spare parts inventories, and coordinating maintenance or refurbishment schedules.
• Maintain program risk and opportunity registers; develop and track mitigation plans with defined closure criteria and owners.
• Coordinate across functional teams—engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, operations, quality, and test—to resolve schedule drivers and technical blockers.
• Own project scope management, including requirements and deliverables timing, assignment of key personnel, and product cost management.

Requirements

• Passion for our mission: Millions of people living and working in space.
• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or similar.
• 2+ years of experience in systems engineering, project engineering, or technical program management within a hardware development environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing system or subsystem requirements using tools such as Jama, IBM DOORS, or equivalent.
• Experience defining and managing system interfaces through Interface Control Documents (ICDs) or related data products.
• Demonstrated experience with developing and maintaining Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and agile task management processes.
• Experience managing lines of balance (LOB) or similar production flow tracking and hardware forecasting artifacts.
• Experience initiating and tracking procurement activities, including purchase requisitions, supplier management, and long-lead tracking.
• Experience managing hardware build, assembly, movement, and sustainment activities in a manufacturing or test environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to synthesize technical and programmatic information for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated track record of resourcefulness and success working with interdisciplinary and multi-functional teams.
• 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

• Experience with formal design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, or equivalent), including development of entrance/exit criteria and technical review packages.
• Experience developing Verification and Validation (V&V) plans, test plans, and requirements traceability matrices.
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler or MagicDraw, or with SysML/UML modeling.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and lifecycle standards (e.g., INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, NASA/SP-2016-6105, or equivalent).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent, preferably with familiarity with agile-aligned project execution tools/processes.
• Familiarity with avionics, aerospace, or defense hardware development processes and product lifecycle management.
• Experience supporting test campaigns or verification events at remote test sites or customer facilities.
• Experience across multiple lifecycle phases from early concept development through integration, verification, and sustainment.
• Proficiency in Smartsheet, Jira, or similar project management and task tracking tools.
• Experience with SAP, Costpoint, or similar ERP systems for procurement and materials management.

Pay

• CA applicants: $107,136.00 - $149,990.40
• CO applicants: $98,208.00 - $137,491.20
• WA applicants: $107,136.00 - $149,990.40
• Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).
• 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 additional benefits and bonuses.