Principal Ground Systems Architecture and Site Selection - New Glenn

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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.

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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).

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

 

Base Pay Range for:

CO applicants is $160,618.00 - $224,864.85
WA applicants is $169,624.00 - $237,473.25

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include:  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.

• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.