Principal AI​/ML Autonomy Engineer

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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!

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

About the Role The AI, FSW & Autonomy organization is looking for a Principal AI/ML Autonomy Engineer.

This is a hands-on IC lead role. You are the architect, the builder, and the integrator. You'll define the embedded AI/ML strategy, develop and deploy the models, and work directly alongside flight software, ground systems, GNC, avionics, MLOps, and simulation engineers to build embedded autonomous systems.

You’ll develop the strategy and drive its success, with direct visibility to senior and executive leadership.

If you have a passion for space, autonomy and working with some of the best in industry, this role is for you!

Special Mentions:

Location:

Kent, WA | Denver, CO | Huntsville, AL. Relocation assistance is available.

Travel:
Up to 25%
Security Clearance:
Ability to obtain a DoD U.S. Secret clearance (TS/SCI) required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

You are the accountable technical lead for embedded AI/ML from architecture and model development through deployment and operational validation

Define and execute the technical roadmap

Identify, architect and fine tune embedded ML models optimized for the compute environment, balancing inference performance against strict SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) constraints

Own the full ML lifecycle including data collection and pipeline development, model architecture, training, compression and quantization, hardware-aware optimization, and on-target validation

Integrate AI/ML models directly into the flight software stack, ensuring real-time performance, deterministic behavior, and compliance with safety and reliability requirements

Drive cross-functional technical alignment with FSW, avionics, ground systems, GN&C, and systems engineering, translating autonomous operations requirements into deployable, validated AI capabilities

Champion V&V and assurance practices for AI/ML in mission-critical, high-consequence space systems including uncertainty quantification, fault detection and isolation, runtime assurance, and adversarial robustness testing

Serve as the technical authority and force multiplier across the broader AI, FSW & Autonomy team, setting the bar, unblocking peers, and accelerating delivery through influence and expertise

Represent Blue National Security's AI/ML capability to government customers, program offices, and external partners

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field
10+ years in developing autonomy for mission/safety-critical embedded systems5+ years of hands-on experience developing and deploying AI/ML systems in a production environment with demonstrated emphasis on embedded or resource-constrained environments

Demonstrated experience deploying ML models on embedded flight or mission-critical hardware such as edge GPUs, FPGAs, DSPs, or radiation-tolerant processors under real-world performance constraints

Deep proficiency in Python and C/C++ for both model development and embedded software integration

Expertise in modern ML frameworks including PyTorch, Tensor Flow, or ONNX Runtime Hands-on experience with model optimization for edge deployment: quantization, pruning, TensorRT, TFLite, or equivalent tool chains

Proven ability to operate within real-time, resource-constrained software environments such as RTOS, bare-metal, or safety-critical OSDemonstrated ability to lead through technical influence, driving architectural decisions, aligning cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering results without relying on organizational authority

Strong technical communication skills with the ability to brief executive leadership, government customers, and engineering peers with equal clarity and confidence

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

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field

Experience developing AI/ML for autonomous spacecraft operations including on-orbit fault detection and isolation, autonomous mission sequencing,…