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Blue Origin

Cameras and Optical Sensors Hardware Systems Engineer

Blue Origin, Denver, CO


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 diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safe innovation. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment, dedication, and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight.   This role is part of the Lunar Permanence business unit, which develops Blue Origin’s multiple Blue Moon lander product lines. To further Blue Origin's mission of having millions of people living and working in space, we are building sustainable infrastructure for our transport of crew and cargo from Earth to the lunar surface.  As part of a hardworking team of diverse, multi-disciplinary engineers, you will assist in the development and/or procurement of cameras and optical sensor systems for navigation, rendezvous, proximity operations and docking, and other applications for Blue Origin’s spacecraft. You will participate in the full life cycle of these systems from early concepts to product prototypes to qualified and deployed flight hardware.  You will work closely with the guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) team to seamlessly integrate these components with the rest of the GN&C subsystem. This role is deeply interdisciplinary and requires coordination among a diverse group of internal stakeholders, adjacent integrated product teams, and suppliers. Your contributions will enable flight of state-of-the-art aerospace vehicles and missions.   Passion for our mission and vision is required!  Responsibilities: Collaborate in the development of navigation and sensor hardware requirements from system level specifications with flow downs to subsystem and component levels, and companion verification methods Assist in the design of sensor architecture and hardware configuration with design studies and sensor performance trades  Support the design, fabrication, test and characterization of protype hardware Contribute or lead procurement, vendor coordination, delivery, acceptance, installation, verification, validation, qualification, and certification of component hardware Support the development and execution of component-level test programs, including sensor characterization, sensor modeling, and integrated on-vehicle testing  Perform and guide testing and analyses of sensor hardware including laboratory and flight testing, shock/vibration, thermal vacuum, etc. to validate top-level system specifications and requirements, and establish sensor performance specifications Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, on-vehicle functional testing, and flight testing  Support trades on image sensor options, optical configurations, image processing techniques, etc., to guide optimal product specifications  Routinely collaborate with manufacturing operations, supply chain, and other teams within the company to ensure smooth execution of the development, integration, and test efforts Qualifications: B.S. in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace engineering or related areas of study 5+ years of related experience with cameras, image sensors, and/or precision opto-mechanical assemblies Demonstrated experience in the development, prototyping, testing, and calibration of cameras or optical imaging systems for aerospace, automotive, medical, or robotics applications Knowledge of optical imaging system components (lenses, sensors, sensor and image processing electronics, etc.) and their characterization Working knowledge of imaging systems and optical and image quality characterizations (focus/MTF, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment, etc.) Experience with camera and/or optical system modeling and simulation using tools such as ZEMAX, CODE V, LightTools, etc. Knowledge of image processing techniques Experience in component procurement, integration, and test support Demonstrated experience in test and verification of navigation or related sensors Experience in product schedule, cost, delivery, and supplier management Experience in MATLAB/Simulink   Excellent written and verbal communication skills  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.  Desired: M.S. in Physics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace engineering or equivalent with 10+ years of relevant experience Experience in development of cameras, sensors, and instruments for space applications and space environments  Experience with spacecraft vehicle or satellite system integration and test Knowledge and experience with navigation systems that include measurements from IMU, GPS, radar, star trackers, and optical sensors   Detailed knowledge on EEE part selection for space applicationsWorking knowledge of NASA human spaceflight standards Experience in leading or supporting technical teams through multiple successful product deliveries Compensation range for on site CO applicants is $125,400 - $175,560Compensation range for on site WA applicants is $136,800 - $191,520Other site ranges may differCompensation Range for:CO applicants is $125,400.00-$175,560.00;WA applicants is $136,800.00-$191,520.00Other site ranges may differApplications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.Inclusivity StatementDon’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 a diverse, inclusive, and 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 RegulationsApplicants 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.BenefitsBenefits 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 OpportunityBlue 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 AccommodationApplicants 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 NoticeIf you are a California resident, please reference the CA Applicant Privacy Notice here.SummaryLocation: Seattle, WA; Denver, COType: Full time