Principal Systems Architect – Remote Sensing Systems

BLUE ORIGIN

. Serve as the senior technical authority for space system architecture within the Special Programs organization, providing vision and direction for mission-driven system concepts .

Posted 5/15/2026full-timeRemote • Alabama, California, Colorado, Virginia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $173,466 - $256,469 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

TypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the senior technical authority for space system architecture within the Special Programs organization, providing vision and direction for mission-driven system concepts
Lead end-to-end architecture definition for advanced space-based sensing systems, from mission concept formulation through preliminary design, ensuring alignment with customer objectives and operational requirements
Drive system-level trade space exploration across competing architectures, evaluating performance, cost, schedule, and risk to inform program decisions at the highest levels
Develop and own the overarching system architecture baseline, including CONOPs, system-level requirements, interface definitions, and key performance parameters (KPPs)
Provide authoritative technical guidance on RF system design, sensing system performance, and space segment architecture to program teams and leadership
Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, fostering technical excellence, rigorous engineering discipline, and a culture of innovation
Represent the program at senior-level technical reviews, customer engagements, and government forums; serve as the primary technical voice for architecture decisions
Identify and resolve complex, cross-cutting technical challenges that span multiple subsystems and program boundaries
Collaborate with business development and capture teams to shape new program opportunities, contribute to proposals, and define technical approaches for future missions
Maintain awareness of the broader national security space landscape, emerging threats, and evolving customer needs to inform long-range architecture strategy
Partner with government customers and mission partners to translate high-level operational needs into technically sound and executable system architectures

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
12+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering or architecture within the aerospace, defense, or national security domain
Demonstrated experience leading the architecture and design of complex space or airborne sensing systems from concept through CDR or beyond
Experience architecting space-based RF sensing or surveillance systems, with a strong understanding of the full sensing chain from aperture to exploitation
Deep familiarity with Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) and/or Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) processing architectures and their system-level design implications
Experience with UHF-band system design, including propagation characteristics, antenna aperture trades, and ionospheric effects
Deep expertise in RF system performance analysis, including link budgets, radar system design fundamentals, and space segment performance modeling
Proven track record of leading technical teams and driving architecture decisions in a matrixed, program-driven environment
Experience engaging directly with DoD or Intelligence Community customers at a senior technical level
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and executive audiences
Active TS//SCI security clearance
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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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%
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
Employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

systems engineeringsystem architectureRF system designsensing system performancespace segment architectureGround Moving Target Indicator (GMTI)Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI)UHF-band system designlink budgetsradar system design

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingtechnical guidanceinnovationpresentation skillsteamworkstrategic thinking

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical EngineeringBachelor's degree in Aerospace EngineeringBachelor's degree in Systems EngineeringBachelor's degree in PhysicsActive TS//SCI security clearance