Spacecraft Lead – Director, Project Sunrise

BLUE ORIGIN

. Serve as primary technical authority and owner for the end-to-end design of the Sunrise spacecraft .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $206,673 - $305,567 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft design and development, including propulsion, power, thermal management, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, manage complex projects, and deliver high-power spacecraft from concept to launch.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft Design and BuildPropulsion SystemsGuidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)Team Leadership and MentoringSoftware Lifecycle Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Mechanical EngineeringSpacecraft Development LifecycleThermal ManagementFlight Software DevelopmentHigh-Power Spacecraft SystemsIntegrated Roadmaps ManagementDesign Verification and ValidationTechnical Decision MakingSpacecraft Hardware DesignCollision Avoidance Systems

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringProblem SolvingCommunicationLeadership

Tools & Technologies

JiraConfluenceAI Tools for Design Optimization

Industry Keywords

Spacecraft DevelopmentFCC FilingsU.S. Export RegulationsSatellite ConstellationsFast-Paced Development Environment

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as primary technical authority and owner for the end-to-end design of the Sunrise spacecraft
Lead a multidisciplinary engineering effort and make critical design decisions autonomously
Lead the team developing and deploying large, high-power spacecraft
Manage development of spacecraft design, key subsystems, and software
Deliver flight hardware from concept development through manufacturing, integration, testing, qualification, and launch
Own spacecraft development from 0→1 and successive spacecraft from 1→n
Own development and manufacturing of propulsion, power, thermal management, flight software, and communications systems
Define and implement guidance, navigation, and control authority from launch-vehicle separation through deployment, collision avoidance, and demise
Develop and oversee hardware verification and validation campaigns from component to system level
Resolve technical trades, design decisions, manufacturing hurdles, and execute technical scope when needed
Design, build, and deliver spacecraft hardware and flight software
Make spacecraft make/buy decisions
Grow and directly manage a team of engineers
Collaborate with the Compute Lead to integrate compute hardware and software onto the spacecraft
Present design concepts, analyses, and technical recommendations to program leadership and stakeholders
Own the roadmap and product improvements for successive spacecraft

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
Understanding of spacecraft development disciplines including propulsion, communications, power, mechanisms, and GNC
At least one hands-on technical capability in spacecraft design and build, such as thermal, mechanical, software, or GNC
Ability to lead and mentor junior engineers while remaining hands-on
Experience developing and managing integrated roadmaps, milestones, dependencies, risks, and critical paths
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident/current Green Card holder, or lawfully admitted refugee or granted asylum
Experience with all phases of the spacecraft development lifecycle
Experience developing high-power spacecraft systems, large and flexible spacecraft structures, or large satellite constellations
Software lifecycle and deployment experience
Experience formally leading an engineering team of 15+ members; direct-report experience preferred
Experience with Jira and Confluence
Experience in a fast-paced development environment with evolving requirements and aggressive delivery timelines
Familiarity or fluency with AI tools and their application to design optimization or analysis
Familiarity with FCC filings and associated deliverables
Must be eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations
Required background checks for applicable roles; additional qualifications may apply to certain job profiles

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 benefits and bonuses based on role type, job level, individual contributions, company results, or other factors