Director, Software Engineering

Director, Embedded Software Engineering 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 This role is part of Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE), supporting Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. The team fosters innovation and drives engineering workflows of the future, shared solutions and standards, simplicity and lower costs, and manufacturable design. As a Director, Embedded Software Engineering, you'll lead a highly skilled group responsible for developing platform software and tools for a wide variety of spaceflight systems. You'll drive the strategic direction and technical excellence of our Common Avionics Software Platform while pioneering the integration of Generative AI technologies in embedded software development. Your leadership will enable the design, architecture, and implementation of safety‑critical real‑time embedded software as part of Blue Origin's Avionics Center of Excellence. Our work enables all Blue Origin business units to routinely transport people and payloads to orbit and beyond. In this director role, you will shape the future of embedded software engineering while building and mentoring the next generation of avionics software talent. In This Position, You Will Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of embedded software engineers developing the Common Avionics Software Platform Drive strategic direction for platform software development across embedded avionics systems, including device drivers, middleware, and application software Champion innovation in engineering tools and capabilities, particularly in the application of Generative AI to avionics embedded software development Collaborate with hardware, systems, and program leadership to define software requirements and ensure interoperability across varied hardware platforms Establish architecture decisions and lead design discussions for embedded systems across multiple vehicle programs Set engineering standards for performance optimization, scalability, and portability across the software platform Oversee testing strategies, debugging methodologies, and software performance analysis across different hardware architectures Ensure comprehensive documentation standards, including requirements, design specifications, and API references Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team Lead cross‑functional integration efforts to deploy avionics platform software across Blue Origin's range of products Develop engineering talent through recruitment, mentoring, and career development of senior professionals Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field At least 15 years of experience in low‑level and embedded software development Minimum 5 years of engineering management experience leading technical teams Proven track record managing teams of senior embedded software engineers Expert‑level proficiency in C/C++ programming and embedded development methodologies Deep understanding of real‑time concepts, multitasking, synchronization, and inter‑process communication in embedded environments Extensive experience with hardware abstraction, device drivers, and low‑level interfaces Skilled in software development for various hardware architectures (such as ARM, x86), including porting and optimization Strong background with RTOS or Linux‑based embedded environments Experience with AI/ML concepts and their application to software engineering workflows Exceptional problem‑solving abilities and experience leading teams in fast‑paced, collaborative environments Proven experience with software architecture and design at enterprise scale Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with ability to present to executive leadership Preferred Qualifications Extensive experience in safety‑critical software development within aerospace, automotive, or similar industries Background in AI/ML tool development or deployment in engineering workflows Experience with aerospace software certification standards (ex. DO‑178, NPR 7150.2) Knowledge of avionics bus protocols (MIL‑STD‑1553, ARINC 429) Knowledge of communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN) and networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, MQTT) Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD, and modern software development practices Experience with model‑based development tools (MATLAB/Simulink, SCADE) Track record of building and scaling engineering organizations in aerospace or safety‑critical industries Compensation Range For CO applicants: $215,060.00‑$301,083.30 WA applicants: $227,120.00‑$317,967.30 Benefits 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%, and an Education Support Program. Paid Time Off: Up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company‑paid holidays. Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Eligibility for benefits varies by role type; please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. 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 (CDL drivers only), 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 Export Control Regulations 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr