Principal Electrical Power Subsystem Architect
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. We are building the next generation of LEO satellite platforms and need bold, experienced engineers to push the boundaries of space power systems.
Locations: Denver, CO | Reston, VA | Huntsville, AL (other major Blue Origin locations will be considered)
Relocation: Assistance available for qualified candidates
Travel: Up to 25% may be required; average expected travel is approximately 10%
Security Clearance: Active Top Secret (TS) U.S. Government security clearance required at time of hire and must be maintained
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
Base Pay Range:
- CA applicants: $169,624.00 - $237,473.25
- CO applicants: $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
- 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