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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Space Vehicle System Design Lead - **Company:** Blue Origin - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $160,618.0 - $224,865.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Biometrics, Configuration Management, Communications Protocols, Computer Networks, Computer Engineering, Embedded Software, Network Interface Controllers, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Systems Development Life Cycle, Rhapsody, Requirements Management, Verification and Validation (Software), Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Windchill, Jama (Software), Scripting, Model-Driven Development, MagicDraw, DOORS (Software), DODAF - **Published:** October 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/career/18637092/Principal-Space-Vehicle-System-Design-Lead-Alabama-Huntsville ## About the Role * Minimum of a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or closely related technical field. * 10+ years of experience in spacecraft design, command & control systems, space communications, avionics systems, or a closely related engineering field, with demonstrated progression to senior/lead technical roles * Proven track record of 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 spacecraft systems * Experience defining and managing system-level requirements, interfaces, and verification/validation strategies across hardware and software domains * Demonstrated ability to lead and influence technical teams and stakeholders * Proficiency in model-based design and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink) and scripting languages (Python or equivalent) * Direct experience with spacecraft communication protocols and emerging technologies * Familiarity with, or experience in, Model-Based Systems Engineering, such as System Models and/or System Architecture diagrams * Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex technical topics to audiences including senior leadership and customer organizations * 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, * M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline * Experience across multiple space domain programs in varying stages of development and operations * Experience supporting or leading test campaigns * Software or scripting language experience * Familiarity with Fault Management & System Autonomy * Experience with MBSE/System Modeling tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, Enterprise Architect, MagicDraw, or Rhapsody * Familiarity with System Architecture frameworks such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DODAF), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), or NASA Space Mission Architecture Framework (SMAF) * Experience with physics-based modeling tools * Familiarity with configuration management, requirements management, and product lifecycle management tools (e.g., Windchill, DOORS, Jama, etc.) ## Description As a Principal Systems Engineer on a hardworking team of talented specialists, technicians, and engineers, you will function as the Space Vehicle System Design Lead for a unique customer mission within the Blue Ring Systems Engineering, Integration & Test organization, working closely with other system, software, hardware and integration & test engineers to develop the optimal space vehicle system solution for unique Blue Ring Spacecraft missions and customer needs. This position reports to the SEIT Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Requirements, Architecture & Verification Director for the space mobility product line. This role will begin with a first-of-its-kind space vehicle in development and grow with the product line through multiple missions and objectives. The successful candidate is a seasoned technical leader and recognized expert in all aspects of Space Vehicle system development, deployment and operational support. Your effectiveness stems from four integrated competency areas: (1) Technical Expertise - deep domain knowledge in space vehicle systems engineering, electronics, embedded software, controls algorithms, sensors, actuators, power systems, and data networks, combined with systems-level thinking that anticipates downstream impacts of design decisions; (2) Technical Leadership - sound judgment that balances innovation with reliability, fluency in design reviews, failure analysis acumen, and confident decision-making under uncertainty; (3) People & Team Dynamics - mentorship mindset, cross-functional influence, composure under pressure, and a collaborative style that fosters innovation and resilience; and (4) Strategic Vision & Organizational Impact - tying technical decisions to mission success and business goals, identifying organizational gaps before they escalate, and communicating a compelling technical vision across all levels. You hold yourself and your teams to the highest standards of engineering rigor. There is no "standard day" for this role. You will lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team across all engineering development phases, from customer use case elicitation all the way to full-scale Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T), launch vehicle integration, and mission operations. On any given day, you may be supporting Model-based Systems Engineers in architecting complex internal and external communications interfaces, leading a failure review board, reviewing Fault Management & System Autonomy script development, driving interface negotiations with vehicle teams, or mentoring a group of engineers through a gnarly systems integration challenge. Your breadth of expertise and technical judgment are the constant that ties it all together., * Own the architectural technical baseline development for the assigned program; define and drive the technical vision, architecture, and long-term engineering roadmap for that program's spacecraft solution for a unique customer mission * Lead decomposition and allocation of requirements; establish and maintain system-level requirements, interface control documents, and design standards spacecraft subsystems * Provide thought leadership and technical direction for mission CONOPS development and detailed mission planning * Function as a technical lead for milestone reviews; participate as a non-advocate reviewer for cross-program architectural decisions * Lead identification, assessment, and mitigation of complex system-level technical risks across all mission phases; drive technology maturation and identify emerging technology opportunities within the spacecraft development team * Provide technical oversight and direction for the integration of spacecraft hardware, software, and control systems into test facilities and onto launch vehicles * Develop and maintain model-based design frameworks, simulation environments, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) test capabilities to accelerate verification and validation * Collaborate with program leadership, chief engineers, and functional managers to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and mission objectives * Champion engineering best practices, design criteria, and lessons learned * Mentor and develop engineers at all levels; actively contribute to a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous learning * Support and provide technical oversight during critical test campaigns and mission operations, both on-site and remotely * Partner with Enterprise functions (Operations, Supply Chain, Mission Assurance) to ensure producibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness spacecraft system designs, 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, 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