Principal Ground Systems Architecture and Site Selection - New Glenn

Blue Origin • Denver, WA

2d

About The Position

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. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! This role supports the development and operations of New Glenn, a single-configuration, heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle capable of routinely carrying people and payloads to low-Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, cislunar, and beyond. Its first stage is fully reusable, and the vehicle was designed from the beginning to be human-capable. As part of a small, passionate, and accomplished team of experts, you will work to develop and integrate New Glenn launch system ground systems as part of the New Glenn Launch System Architecture team. As a member of the Launch System Architecture team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how our launch vehicle, ground systems, and mission operations come together as a single, integrated system. Rather than focusing on the detailed design of any one subsystem, you'll work at the intersection of disciplines—propulsion, avionics, structures, and ground systems—translating high-level mission needs into a coherent technical vision that guides teams across the program. You'll lead trade studies that shape foundational decisions, such as launch pad site selection, ground systems architecture, and how vehicle and pad infrastructure interfaces are best configured to support operational cadence and reliability, and you'll ensure that as those decisions ripple outward, the interfaces between systems remain compatible and well-defined. When new requirements emerge or technologies evolve, you'll be the one asking how these changes affect the bigger picture, working to safeguard the architecture's long-term scalability and reliability while resolving the inevitable conflicts that arise when many teams are building toward the same goal. It's a role built for someone who thinks in systems, communicates across boundaries, and finds genuine satisfaction in making sure all the pieces fit together—not just today, but as the program grows and evolves. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who will work with various elements of the New Glenn program to understand their needs and architect solutions that meet these needs with new and existing infrastructure.

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in engineering or another technical field
• Familiarity with export control (EAR/ITAR) regulations.
• 10+ years of experience developing complex, large scale operational systems in aerospace / defense or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience across development lifecycle including transition to operations.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally with staff at all levels of the organization and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, customers, and suppliers.
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

• Launch Site or Ground Support Equipment design experience/familiarity
• Experience with integrated systems (fluids, structures, mechanisms, communications, electrical, etc.)
• Able to develop 3D concept models and 2D plans
• Able to develop a deliverables' schedule based on available information, resource availability, and customer needs
• Able to develop ROM cost and schedule estimates to bring concepts to fruition

Responsibilities

• Understand customer requirements and preferred solutions in order to represent the customer for architectural trades.
• Oversee concept development and feasibility studies for solutions that integrate emergent upgrades/ programs into existing or new infrastructure.
• Identify and lead trade studies used to define overall architecture and flight/ground interfaces.
• Work hand in hand with emerging programs to develop CONOPS for New Glenn launch processing and launch and mission operations.
• Provide systems engineering and integration expertise to New Glenn elements seeking launch capability by defining and developing mission, organizational, physical, functional, signal, hardware/software, and operational interfaces.
• Provide assistance with the requirements for engineering models, simulations, test beds, and special test equipment for all organizations involved with system testing.
• Ensure the systems are designed with human considerations for all processes.

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%, and an 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal