Principal Technical Lead Engineer – Rocket Engine Avionics, Control Systems

BLUE ORIGIN

. Serve as primary technical authority for avionics systems within a specific rocket engine program .

Posted 10/3/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $173,466 - $256,470 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates deep expertise in Avionics Architecture, Embedded Systems Design, and Control System Development for flight or propulsion applications, with a strong focus on Model-Based Design and Simulation. Proven ability to lead complex technical programs, manage system-level requirements, and foster effective collaboration across cross-functional teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Avionics Systems ExpertiseModel-Based DesignControl System DevelopmentSystem-Level Requirements ManagementTechnical Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Avionics ArchitectureEmbedded Systems DesignControl TheoryDigital Signal ProcessingClosed-Loop System DesignData Communication ProtocolsScripting LanguagesTechnical Program ManagementRequirements Verification/ValidationFDIR Design

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipEffective CommunicationRelationship BuildingMentoringCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

MATLAB/SimulinkPythonAMESIMModelicaWindchillDOORS

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringRocket Engine ProgramsPropulsion ApplicationsDO-178CIEC 61508

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonRustC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as primary technical authority for avionics systems within a specific rocket engine program
Own and drive the avionics and control system technical baseline, technical vision, architecture, and long-term roadmap
Lead decomposition and allocation of avionics requirements
Establish and maintain system-level requirements, interface control documents, and design standards
Lead design reviews with full technical approval authority
Identify, characterize, and resolve complex system-level technical risks across concurrent development programs
Oversee integration of avionics hardware, software, control algorithms, sensors, actuators, and harnessing into test facilities and rocket engines
Develop and maintain model-based design frameworks, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop test strategies
Collaborate with program leadership, chief engineers, and functional managers on cost, schedule, and mission objectives
Champion engineering best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned
Drive technology maturation and identify emerging technology opportunities
Mentor and develop engineers at all levels
Provide technical oversight during critical test campaigns and flight operations, on-site and remotely
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Mission Assurance to ensure producibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
Travel up to 10% to rocket engine test sites

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related technical field
10+ years of experience in avionics systems, control systems, or closely related engineering field, with progression to senior/lead technical roles
Deep hands-on expertise in avionics architecture, embedded systems design, and control system development for flight or propulsion applications
Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional technical programs or subsystems from concept through qualification and operational deployment
Strong working knowledge of control theory, digital signal processing, and closed-loop system design for engine or propulsion applications
Experience defining and managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification/validation strategies across hardware and software domains
Ability to lead and influence technical teams and stakeholders without direct authority
Proficiency in model-based design and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and scripting languages such as Python or equivalent
Experience with data communication protocols such as EtherCAT, CAN, SpaceWire, MIL-STD-1553, or similar
Ability to build trusting and effective working relationships that improve team performance and strengthen inclusivity
Strong written and verbal communication skills for conveying complex technical topics to senior leadership
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident/current Green Card holder, or lawfully admitted refugee or person granted asylum
Preferred: M.S. or Ph.D. in relevant engineering discipline
Preferred: Experience across multiple rocket engine or propulsion programs
Preferred: Familiarity with DO-178C, IEC 61508, or equivalent
Preferred: FDIR design for flight-critical avionics systems
Preferred: Rust, C, or C++ for embedded or real-time systems
Preferred: AMESIM, Modelica, or similar physics-based modeling tools
Preferred: Windchill, DOORS, or similar configuration, requirements, or product lifecycle management tools
Preferred: Experience supporting or leading rocket engine test campaigns
Preferred: Multi-year product and technology roadmaps
Required background checks as applicable to the role

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and 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/week
Up to four weeks of paid time off per year based on weekly scheduled hours
Up to 14 company-paid holidays
Potential role- and job-level-dependent benefits and bonuses
Reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process