Director, Software Engineering

Application close date:

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!

As a Director, Embedded Software Engineering, you'll lead a highly skilled group responsible for developing platform software and tools for a wide variety of spaceflight systems. You'll drive the strategic direction and technical excellence of our Common Avionics Software Platform while pioneering the integration of Generative AI technologies in embedded software development. Your leadership will enable the design, architecture, and implementation of safety-critical real-time embedded software as part of Blue Origin's Avionics Center of Excellence.

Our work enables all Blue Origin business units to routinely transport people and payloads to orbit and beyond. In this director role, you will shape the future of embedded software engineering while building and mentoring the next generation of avionics software talent.

In this position, you will:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of embedded software engineers developing the Common Avionics Software Platform
• Drive strategic direction for platform software development across embedded avionics systems, including device drivers, middleware, and application software
• Champion innovation in engineering tools and capabilities, particularly in the application of Generative AI to avionics embedded software development
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and program leadership to define software requirements and ensure interoperability across varied hardware platforms
• Establish architecture decisions and lead design discussions for embedded systems across multiple vehicle programs
• Set engineering standards for performance optimization, scalability, and portability across the software platform
• Oversee testing strategies, debugging methodologies, and software performance analysis across different hardware architectures
• Ensure comprehensive documentation standards, including requirements, design specifications, and API references
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team
• Lead cross-functional integration efforts to deploy avionics platform software across Blue Origin's range of products
• Develop engineering talent through recruitment, mentoring, and career development of senior professionals

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• At least 15 years of experience in low-level and embedded software development
• Minimum 5 years of engineering management experience leading technical teams
• Proven track record managing teams of senior embedded software engineers
• Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ programming and embedded development methodologies
• Deep understanding of real-time concepts, multitasking, synchronization, and inter-process communication in embedded environments
• Extensive experience with hardware abstraction, device drivers, and low-level interfaces
• Skilled in software development for various hardware architectures (such as ARM, x86), including porting and optimization
• Strong background with RTOS or Linux-based embedded environments
• Experience with AI/ML concepts and their application to software engineering workflows
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and experience leading teams in fast-paced, collaborative environments
• Proven experience with software architecture and design at enterprise scale
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with ability to present to executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in safety-critical software development within aerospace, automotive, or similar industries
• Background in AI/ML tool development or deployment in engineering workflows
• Experience with aerospace software certification standards (ex. DO-178, NPR 7150.2)
• Knowledge of avionics bus protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429)
• Knowledge of communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN) and networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, MQTT)
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD, and modern software development practices
• Experience with model-based development tools (MATLAB/Simulink, SCADE)
• Track record of building and scaling engineering organizations in aerospace or safety-critical industries

This role offers an exciting chance to shape the future of avionics platform software and contribute to real-time embedded applications for spaceflight. Relocation assistance is available for those moving to approved Blue Origin locations. If you are passionate about embedded software leadership and want to work with cutting-edge space technology while developing engineering talent, we want to hear from you.

Compensation Range for:

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.

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

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 atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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