Senior Flight Software Engineer

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

This Senior Flight Software Engineer role is part of Blue National Security (BNS), which designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions. The engineer will work on the Mars Telecom Network, whose communications spacecraft require complex, multi-system avionics and flight software to operate autonomously for years, far from Earth. The role spans the spacecraft lifecycle, from concept and system definition through integration, verification, on-orbit checkout, and mission operations. The successful candidate will bring experience delivering complex embedded avionics software and will use strong communication skills and Agile fluency to lead engineers and engage stakeholders. Relocation is provided, travel is expected up to 15% of the time, and interviews include a technical assessment.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience in computer, aerospace, or electrical engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of embedded software development and testing experience, including multi-threaded programming and real-time systems, particularly in C/C++.
Experience across spacecraft development and operations phases, including proposals, system definition, design, production, integration, verification, on-orbit checkout, mission operations, and anomaly resolution, or in a similar capacity.
Experience with multi-component, complex avionics for spacecraft, aircraft, or similar systems.
Demonstrated effective communication skills with program and executive leadership.
Proven experience in requirements derivation, implementation, and verification.
Familiarity with Agile and DevOps processes and culture.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen a culture of inclusion.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience working on multiple concurrent product baselines (product line engineering).
Experience in autonomy, sequencers, state machines, and/or fault management using NPR 7150.2, DO-178, or other safety- or mission-critical software standards.
Understanding of spacecraft operations, subsystem functions, interfaces, and common interactions.
Experience with embedded Linux or equivalent real-time operating systems.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical lead for major embedded avionics software subsystems, providing technical direction, task prioritization, and mentorship to engineers.
Architect, design, develop, and deliver high-reliability, multi-threaded, real-time spacecraft avionics software in C and C++.
Own software requirements derivation and verification planning for assigned subsystems, ensuring traceability from system requirements through verification.
Contribute across the spacecraft lifecycle, including proposals, system definition, design, production, integration, verification, on-orbit checkout, mission operations, and anomaly resolution.
Lead design and code reviews and ensure technical quality and mission assurance across deliverables.
Lead integration and test activities across multi-component avionics systems.
Identify and mitigate technical risks, and lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex software anomalies.
Communicate technical status and risks to program and executive leadership.
Contribute to proposals and technical documentation as needed.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and supplemental life insurance
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability
401(k) with company match of up to 5%
Education Support Program
Stock options for all regular employees working at least 20 hours per week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year, based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Depending on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.