Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Blue Ring (TS/SCI Required)

Blue Origin•Littleton, CO

About The Position

As part of Blue Origin’s Blue National Security team, the Senior Ground Systems Engineer contributes to the software lifecycle of ground-based systems supporting space missions and advancing ground capabilities. The role encompasses architectural principles, requirements derivation, and software development standards, with an emphasis on secure and efficient development. Blue National Security designs, develops, and delivers launch and spacecraft systems for national security missions, including capabilities for the Blue Ring spacecraft. The engineer designs, develops, integrates, and maintains ground systems for national security space initiatives. The position works across teams and with external customers, including government agencies and contractors, to define requirements and architecture, develop and test software, meet security and regulatory standards, and support operational teams. It also includes technical leadership, documentation, mentorship, and participation in all phases of the software development lifecycle. An active TS/SCI clearance and at least 10 years of experience in space mission ground systems, with a focus on national security space software development, standards, and requirements, are required. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field. The Colorado base pay range is $181,626.00–$254,275.35; ranges at other sites may differ.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in space mission ground systems, focused on national security space software development, standards, and requirements.
Strong understanding of security protocols, encryption, and data integrity principles.
Proven experience in system integration, testing, and performance tuning.
Expertise in requirements definition and management; experience with DOORS Next Generation (DNG) is preferred.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative team environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including conveying complex technical concepts to varied audiences.
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to an inclusive culture.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as refugees or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant engineering or scientific field.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.
Expertise in Agile, DevSecOps, AWS, or Azure.
Experience with spacecraft subsystems and associated subsystem software.
Experience with space-application communications protocols such as CCSDS, DDS, or GMSEC.
Familiarity with system safety analysis techniques, including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA).
Background working with and proposing to U.S. Government research agencies such as NASA, AFRL, or DARPA.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, integrate, and maintain ground systems that advance capabilities supporting national security space initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to capture requirements, define systems architecture, and develop detailed system design specifications.
Develop software solutions and ensure compliance with relevant security policies and standards.
Conduct system-level testing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization to ensure robust and reliable ground-system operation.
Support the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, documentation, and maintenance.
Share technical expertise and mentor others in ground systems engineering practices, including security, scalability, and maintainability.
Ensure ground-systems deployments meet or exceed regulatory and security compliance requirements, including those mandated by TS/SCI clearance requirements.
Document system configurations, procedures, and processes; provide training and support to operational teams as required.
Engage with external customers, including government agencies and contractors, to align engineering efforts with broader program objectives.

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 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, potential eligibility for benefits and bonuses based on individual contributions or other factors; bonus eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed.