Principal Software Engineer (AI & Emerging Tech)

Application close date:

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!  

We are a team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin’s vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.  
 
We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required! 

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Software Engineer to lead our development team focused on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies. This role requires an individual with a deep understanding of software development, extensive AI expertise, and a broad range of technical capabilities. The ideal candidate will be hands-on, ready to dive into coding, and eager to mentor others.
 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead AI and emerging technology projects, setting technical direction and driving the execution of AI-based solutions.

• Manage and mentor software development team providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment to achieve project goals and objectives.

• Develop and implement advanced AI models and machine learning algorithms to address complex challenges.

• Ensure seamless integration of AI components with existing software systems and infrastructure.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities where AI can enhance operational efficiency and innovation.

• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle of AI applications, including data preprocessing, model training, and deployment.

• Conduct rigorous performance testing and fine-tuning of AI models (when necessary) to ensure robustness and scalability.

• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI and emerging technologies and recommend their adoption as appropriate.

• Develop and enforce coding standards, best practices, and methodologies for AI projects.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the AI development team.

• Guide the team in the selection and use of appropriate AI tools, frameworks, and libraries.

• Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to derive insights and drive data-driven decision making.

• Innovate proactively by proposing new ideas and solutions that leverage AI to solve business problems.

• Address and solve system integration challenges associated with AI deployments.

• Provide thought leadership on AI strategy and roadmap planning within the organization.

• 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

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• 10+ years of professional software development experience, with a significant focus on AI and machine learning in production environments.

• Proven experience leading and managing software development teams.

• Expertise in programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript.

• Deep understanding of AI/ML models, algorithms, and frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.

• Experience with full-stack development and modern web frameworks such as Angular or React.

• Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.

• Experience with integrating AI solutions into large-scale software systems and infrastructure.

• Proficient in utilizing and integrating RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and message queues.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle complex technical challenges.

• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience with CI/CD practices, automated testing, and DevOps.

• Experience deploying cloud native solutions to AWS, Azure, or GCP

• Strong understanding of Git, Docker, and Kubernetes

• Familiarity with software version control systems such as Git.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.

• Proven track record of fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.

Compensation Range for:

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

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.

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, 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.

Benefits

• Benefits include:  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 (4) 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, diverse, 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, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. 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, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “EEO Is the Law,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.