Principal Systems Architect (Remote Sensing Systems)

About the role

The role is part of the Blue National Security business unit, focusing on advanced space-based capabilities for national security missions. Within the Special Programs organization, this team develops next-generation space systems addressing the most demanding challenges in the defense domain.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical authority for space system architecture within the Special Programs organization, providing vision and direction for mission-driven system concepts.
• Lead end-to-end architecture definition for advanced space-based sensing systems, from mission concept formulation through preliminary design, ensuring alignment with customer objectives and operational requirements.
• Drive system-level trade space exploration across competing architectures, evaluating performance, cost, schedule, and risk to inform program decisions at the highest levels.
• Develop and own the overarching system architecture baseline, including CONOPs, system-level requirements, interface definitions, and key performance parameters (KPPs).
• Provide authoritative technical guidance on RF system design, sensing system performance, and space segment architecture to program teams and leadership.
• Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, fostering technical excellence, rigorous engineering discipline, and a culture of innovation.
• Represent the program at senior-level technical reviews, customer engagements, and government forums; serve as the primary technical voice for architecture decisions.
• Identify and resolve complex, cross-cutting technical challenges that span multiple subsystems and program boundaries.
• Collaborate with business development and capture teams to shape new program opportunities, contribute to proposals, and define technical approaches for future missions.
• Maintain awareness of the broader national security space landscape, emerging threats, and evolving customer needs to inform long-range architecture strategy.
• Partner with government customers and mission partners to translate high-level operational needs into technically sound and executable system architectures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering or architecture within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain.
• Demonstrated experience leading the architecture and design of complex space or airborne sensing systems from concept through CDR or beyond.
• Deep familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) and/or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) processing architectures and their system-level design implications.
• Experience architecting space-based RF sensing or surveillance systems, with a strong understanding of the full sensing chain from aperture to exploitation.
• Proven track record of leading technical teams and driving architecture decisions in a matrixed, program-driven environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and executive audiences.
• Active TS//SCI security clearance.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in MBSE tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw or equivalent SysML-based platforms, with experience establishing MBSE frameworks at the program level.
• Experience with radar system performance modeling and simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or custom tools).
• Familiarity with space acquisition frameworks, including DoD 5000-series, JCIDS, and IC acquisition processes.

Skills

• Strong understanding of RF system design, including link budgets, radar system design fundamentals, and space segment performance modeling.
• Experience with UHF-band system design, including propagation characteristics, antenna aperture trades, and ionospheric effects.
• Ability to engage directly with DoD or Intelligence Community customers at a senior technical level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and executive audiences.

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.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week).

Pay

For CA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85
CO applicants is $173,466.00 - $242,851.35
WA applicants is $183,193.00 - $256,469.85
Other Site Ranges May Differ

Schedule

This is an individual contributor role with up to 10% travel expectation.

Location

This role may be performed from any of Blue Origin's primary U.S. locations, including but not limited to: Kent, WA; Denver, CO; Huntsville, AL; Reston, VA; Los Angeles, CA.