Systems Engineer III (Remote Sensing Systems Architecture)

This role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, focused on addressing space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. It is also part of the Blue National Security business unit, which delivers advanced space-based capabilities in support of national security missions. Within the Special Programs organization, this team develops next-generation space systems for defense-domain challenges.

Relocation assistance is available. This role may be performed from any of Blue Origin's primary U.S. locations: Kent, WA; Denver, CO; Huntsville, AL; Reston, VA; Los Angeles, CA. Travel expectation: up to 10%. An active TS//SCI security clearance is required prior to start.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain system-level requirements for advanced space-based sensing systems, ensuring traceability from mission objectives through subsystem specifications.
• Conduct architecture trade studies to evaluate design alternatives, performance margins, and technical feasibility across competing system concepts.
• Author and review key systems engineering artifacts including Concepts of Operations (CONOPs), System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including payload, spacecraft bus, ground systems, and mission operations to ensure end-to-end system coherence and performance closure.
• Support design review cycles and provide technical inputs to program milestones and decision gates.
• Perform RF system performance assessments, link budget analyses, and system-level sensitivity studies relevant to space-based sensing architectures.
• Engage with government customers and mission partners to understand operational needs and translate them into actionable system requirements and performance specifications.
• Support risk identification, mitigation planning, and technical performance measurement (TPM) tracking throughout the program lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development of program-level technical documentation, white papers, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing system-level requirements using requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama, or equivalent).
• Experience with space-based RF sensing or surveillance system architectures.
• Familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) signal processing concepts and their implications on system design.
• Experience with RF or sensing system performance analysis, including link budgets, system noise figure, and coverage/revisit analysis.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes and standards (e.g., NASA/DoD SE frameworks, MIL-STD-499, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting formal design reviews and generating associated technical artifacts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear technical documentation and present to varying 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with radar system performance modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, STK, or custom simulation environments).
• Familiarity with space environment effects on RF systems, including ionospheric propagation and thermal environment impacts on system performance.
• Prior experience working within a Special Programs or classified program environment.
• Experience interfacing with DoD or Intelligence Community (IC) customers.

Pay

• CA applicants: $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• CO applicants: $110,938.00 - $155,312.85
• WA applicants: $121,023.00 - $169,432.20
• 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.