Jobs · Art & Creative · Virginia

Principal Electrical Power Subsystem Architect

Blue Origin · Reston, VA · 2 mo ago
On-siteArt & Creative$170k–$237k/yrFull-time

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. The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, focused on addressing space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. Blue National Security (BNS) delivers advanced satellite systems and space capabilities that protect and empower those who defend our nation.

Locations: Denver, CO | Reston, VA | Huntsville, AL (other major Blue Origin locations will be considered). Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Up to 25% travel may be required; average expected travel is approximately 10%. An active Top Secret (TS) U.S. Government security clearance is required at time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment.

About the role

We are seeking a Principal Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) Architect to join our growing BNS team. In this role, you will serve as a technical authority and key contributor to the design, development, and maturation of electrical power systems for LEO satellites and other novel technologies — from conventional solar and battery technology to next-generation technologies that extend beyond today's state of the art. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of on-orbit power at a company that moves fast, thinks big, and builds for real.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a senior technical contributor and subject matter expert for LEO satellite electrical power subsystem design, development, and integration
  • Lead or co-lead EPS architecture trades, requirements definition, and system-level performance analysis across all mission phases
  • Develop and maintain power budgets, models, and simulations to assess system performance across orbital conditions, eclipse/sunlight cycles, and mission scenarios
  • Drive the design and integration of solar array systems, battery systems, and emerging/novel power generation and storage technologies
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with systems, thermal, structures, avionics, and software teams to ensure EPS compatibility, performance, and interface compliance
  • Champion R&D efforts to evaluate, mature, and transition novel power generation and energy storage technologies beyond current state-of-the-art solutions
  • Author and review technical documentation including specifications, interface control documents (ICDs), test procedures, and engineering reports
  • Support integration and test activities, including anomaly resolution and root cause analysis
  • Provide technical mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, elevating team capability and fostering a culture of engineering excellence
  • Brief design and analysis results to program managers, government customers, and senior leadership

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in spacecraft or satellite electrical power subsystem design, development, and/or testing
  • Demonstrated experience with at least two of the following: solar array power generation systems, battery energy storage systems, or power management and distribution (PMAD)
  • Experience leading EPS design efforts, including requirements ownership, architecture trades, and subsystem performance analysis
  • Experience with power system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis tools
  • Familiarity with spacecraft-level systems engineering processes, including requirements development, verification, and validation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical findings to audiences, including government customers
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment
  • Active U.S. Government Top Secret (TS) security clearance required at time of hire
  • 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

  • Prior experience as an EPS lead on a satellite program, with demonstrated ownership of subsystem architecture, performance, and customer deliverables
  • Experience with high-voltage (>100V) spacecraft power systems, including design, analysis, and safety compliance
  • Hands-on R&D experience with novel power generation technologies (e.g., advanced photovoltaics, nuclear power, directed energy conversion) or novel energy storage technologies (e.g., solid-state batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors) that extend beyond current state-of-the-art
  • Experience with LEO satellite programs, including eclipse/sunlight power cycling and orbital thermal-power interactions
  • Familiarity with radiation-hardened or radiation-tolerant power electronics for space applications
  • Experience with power system simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, SPICE, or equivalent
  • Knowledge of applicable standards such as ECSS, MIL-STD, or NASA EEE parts requirements
  • Experience supporting government customers and working within classified program environments
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field

Pay

  • For CA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
  • For CO applicants: $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
  • For WA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
  • Other site ranges may differ

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, 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

Similar jobs