Mission Systems Engineer

About the role

Blue Origin’s In‑Space Systems business unit focuses on space infrastructure and increasing on‑orbit mobility. The Sr Mission Systems Engineer role is part of the Mission Engineering & Architecture organization within the Blue National Security (BNS) business unit. The engineer will develop and mature new business opportunities, support formulation of new products, mission areas, and programs, and lead capture and proposal efforts. The position requires high autonomy, technical leadership, and responsibility for mission system architecture from concept through execution.

Responsibilities

• Support formulation of new products, mission areas, and programs, translating emerging customer needs into technical concepts.
• Contribute to capture and proposal activities, developing technical approaches, authoring proposal content, and supporting color‑team reviews.
• Develop mission architectures, concepts of operations (CONOPS), and end‑to‑end system designs for novel space applications.
• Decompose mission objectives into verifiable system and subsystem requirements with full traceability.
• Drive and execute complex trade studies to optimize performance, cost, and schedule; present findings to leadership.
• Define, manage, and control system interfaces; lead interface control working groups across vehicle and ground segments.
• Provide systems engineering support to multidisciplinary teams to ensure cohesive, robust designs.
• Develop and oversee comprehensive verification, validation, and test campaigns.
• Contribute to major technical design reviews and serve as a key technical authority for the mission system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering, mission design, or complex system development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Deep understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle and best practices, from requirements definition through integration and test.
• Proven experience leading trade studies, performing analysis, and architecting complex systems.
• Experience supporting capture and proposal efforts for new business opportunities.
• Proficiency with scripting and analysis tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo/SysML.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. security clearance; an active TS clearance is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering or technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Direct experience leading design and development of a space system through at least one major program lifecycle phase (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR).
• Experience serving as a technical lead or capture lead on proposals for national security or civil space customers.
• Familiarity with formulating new mission concepts and maturing them from early ideas through customer engagement and program start.
• Expertise in orbital mechanics, mission design, and spacecraft subsystem performance analysis.
• Proficiency with requirements management and verification tools (e.g., DOORS Next Generation).
• Experience leading or managing an Integrated Product Team (IPT).
• Hands‑on experience with integration, test, or operation of aerospace hardware and software.

Pay

Base Pay Range (per state):

• California: $156,802 – $219,522
• Colorado: $144,179 – $201,850
• Washington: $156,802 – $219,522
• Virginia: $156,802 – $219,522
• Other sites: ranges may differ.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (basic and supplemental).
• Basic and supplemental life insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match up to 5%.
• Education Support Program.
• Stock options for regular employees working ≥20 hours/week.
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks per year (based on scheduled hours) plus up to 14 company‑paid holidays.
• Potential bonuses and additional benefits at the company’s discretion (not guaranteed).

Special Mentions

• Relocation assistance provided.
• Travel expected up to 25 % of the time.

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies show many people hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Blue Origin we value an authentic workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience isn’t a perfect match—you may be the right candidate for this or other roles.