Principal Technical Lead Engineer, Rocket Engine Avionics
Overview
You will own the avionics and control system technical baseline for a specific rocket engine program, defining architecture with full technical approval authority. This role sits within Blue Origin's Avionics & Control Products (ACP) organization, driving safety, performance, and reliability across all deliverables. You lead a multi-disciplinary team through all development phases, from customer use case to hot-fire test and flight operations. What sets this role apart is the breadth of authority: from architecture and design reviews to failure boards and mentoring. You also shape the long-term engineering roadmap, tying technical decisions to mission success.
What You'll Do12
- 1Own the avionics and control system technical baseline for the assigned rocket engine program, defining the technical vision, architecture, and long-term roadmap.
- 2Lead decomposition and allocation of engine-specific avionics requirements, establishing system-level requirements, interface control documents, and design standards.
- 3Lead all design reviews for assigned engine avionics with full technical approval authority; participate as a non-advocate reviewer for cross-program decisions.
- 4Identify, characterize, and drive resolution of complex system-level technical risks across concurrent development programs.
- 5Provide technical oversight for integration of avionics hardware, software, control algorithms, and harnessing into test facilities and rocket engines.
- 6Develop and maintain model-based design frameworks, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test strategies.
- 7Collaborate with program leadership and chief engineers to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and mission objectives.
- 8Champion engineering best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned across the ACP organization.
- 9Drive technology maturation and identify emerging opportunities within the engine avionics team.
- 10Mentor and develop engineers at all levels, fostering technical excellence and psychological safety.
- 11Provide technical oversight during critical test campaigns and flight operations, on-site and remotely.
- 12Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance to ensure producibility and reliability.
Requirements10
- 110+ years experience in avionics systems, control systems, or closely related field, with progression to senior/lead technical roles.
- 2Minimum B.S. degree in Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Systems Engineering, or related field.
- 3Deep hands-on expertise in avionics architecture, embedded systems design, and control system development for flight or propulsion applications.
- 4Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional programs from concept through qualification and operational deployment.
- 5Strong working knowledge of control theory, digital signal processing, and closed-loop system design for engine or propulsion applications.
- 6Experience defining and managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification/validation strategies across hardware and software domains.
- 7Demonstrated ability to lead and influence technical teams without direct authority.
- 8Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and scripting languages such as Python.
- 9Experience with data communication protocols like EtherCAT, CAN, SpaceWire, or MIL-STD-1553.
- 10Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or granted asylum.
Salary Insight
Salary not disclosed in listing
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