Principal Architect, Autonomous Systems (Ground and Space)

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! The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit. About the Role The AI, FSW & Autonomy organization is looking for a Principal AI/ML Autonomy Engineer. This is a hands-on IC lead role. You are the architect, the builder, and the integrator. You'll define the embedded AI/ML strategy, develop and deploy the models, and work directly alongside flight software, ground systems, GNC, avionics, MLOps, and simulation engineers to build embedded autonomous systems. You’ll develop the strategy and drive its success, with direct visibility to senior and executive leadership. If you have a passion for space, autonomy and working with some of the best in industry, this role is for you! Special Mentions: Location: Kent, WA | Denver, CO | Huntsville, AL. Relocation assistance is available. Travel: Up to 25% Security Clearance: Ability to obtain a DoD U.S. Secret clearance (TS/SCI) required. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: You are the accountable technical lead for embedded AI/ML from architecture and model development through deployment and operational validation Define and execute the technical roadmap Identify, architect and fine tune embedded ML models optimized for the compute environment, balancing inference performance against strict SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) constraints Own the full ML lifecycle including data collection and pipeline development, model architecture, training, compression and quantization, hardware-aware optimization, and on-target validation Integrate AI/ML models directly into the flight software stack, ensuring real-time performance, deterministic behavior, and compliance with safety and reliability requirements Drive cross-functional technical alignment with FSW, avionics, ground systems, GN&C, and systems engineering, translating autonomous operations requirements into deployable, validated AI capabilities Champion V&V and assurance practices for AI/ML in mission-critical, high-consequence space systems including uncertainty quantification, fault detection and isolation, runtime assurance, and adversarial robustness testing Serve as the technical authority and force multiplier across the broader AI, FSW & Autonomy team, setting the bar, unblocking peers, and accelerating delivery through influence and expertise Represent Blue National Security's AI/ML capability to government customers, program offices, and external partners Minimum Qualifications: B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field 10+ years in developing autonomy for mission/safety-critical embedded systems 5+ years of hands-on experience developing and deploying AI/ML systems in a production environment with demonstrated emphasis on embedded or resource-constrained environments Demonstrated experience deploying ML models on embedded flight or mission-critical hardware such as edge GPUs, FPGAs, DSPs, or radiation-tolerant processors under real-world performance constraints Deep proficiency in Python and C/C++ for both model development and embedded software integration Expertise in modern ML frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, or ONNX Runtime Hands-on experience with model optimization for edge deployment: quantization, pruning, TensorRT, TFLite, or equivalent toolchains Proven ability to operate within real-time, resource-constrained software environments such as RTOS, bare-metal, or safety-critical OS Demonstrated ability to lead through technical influence, driving architectural decisions, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering results without relying on organizational authority Strong technical communication skills with the ability to brief executive leadership, government customers, and engineering peers with equal clarity and confidence 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 Preferred Qualifications: M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field Experience developing AI/ML for autonomous spacecraft operations including on-orbit fault detection and isolation, autonomous mission sequencing, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), or closed-loop vehicle control Experience deploying ML on radiation-tolerant or space-grade compute such as NVIDIA Orin, Xilinx Versal, rad-hard SoCs, or FPGAs Background in flight software development or avionics software integration in a mission-critical context Experience with autonomous anomaly detection, fault management, and self-healing system architectures for long-duration or communications-denied operations Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, DDS, or analogous middleware in embedded or robotic systems Experience supporting DoD, USSF, NRO, or IC programs including direct customer engagement or proposal development Active U.S. Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance Experience with simulation-to-hardware workflows and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing for AI/ML validation Familiarity with formal V&V methods for ML Base Pay Range for: CO applicants is $218,520.00 - $305,926.95 WA applicants is $230,773.00 - $323,081.85 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. 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