Autonomous Vehicle AI Engineer – Computer Vision and Path Planning

at  Blue Origin

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!
This position is part of the Space Systems Development (SSD) business unit. SSD develops next-generation concepts and systems to advance our future of living and working in space sustainably.
We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are committed to a culture of safety. This position directly impacts the history of space exploration and requires a commitment and detailed attention toward 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
SSD Formulation team is multidisciplinary, covering power systems, simulation and environments, thermal and fluids management, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), autonomy, command and control, data handling and instrumentation, electrical integration and avionics, and propulsion. Working with this team to serve the various projects, studies, and programs in a rapid formulation design environment will be a key responsibility while contributing technically as an individual contributor sharing your expertise. Our group in Formulation is employing a fast-paced agile process to rapidly address early formulation work through a series of three-week sprints. This position will be as an active participant in this environment and requires the appropriate mindset of bias for action while quickly delivering results. The decisions made early on will set Blue Origin up for long-term success. It also requires a comfort with ambiguity and an ability to find a path forward.
We are seeking a top-tier Autonomous Vehicle AI Engineer with specialized skills in Computer Vision and Path Planning. The ideal candidate is an expert in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to the challenges of autonomous navigation. You will be at the forefront of developing intelligent systems that enable vehicles to interpret their surroundings and navigate through complex environments with little or no human intervention.

Key Responsibilities:

• Spearhead the development of AI-driven computer vision algorithms to accurately perceive and understand the vehicle’s environment through sensor data.
• Design and implement sophisticated machine learning models for object detection, classification, semantic segmentation, and anomaly detection specific to autonomous driving scenarios.
• Innovate and develop state-of-the-art path planning algorithms that use predictive modeling and decision-making techniques to facilitate safe and efficient navigation of autonomous vehicles in dynamic conditions.
• Train, validate, and deploy neural networks capable of real-time performance in onboard vehicle systems, optimizing for accuracy, speed, and low-power consumption.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, researchers, and scientists to integrate AI/ML solutions into a comprehensive autonomous driving platform.
• Simulate and test autonomous driving algorithms using both synthesized data and real-world driving scenarios to ensure robustness.
• Provide thought leadership in AI/ML by keeping abreast of the latest research and trends in the field, with a focus on applications in autonomous vehicles.
• Optimize AI models for edge and cloud deployment, addressing challenges such as latency, model compression, and distributed computing for vehicle fleets.
• Develop metrics and validation strategies to quantitatively assess the performance of computer vision and path planning systems in varied conditions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of in-house machine learning pipelines and tools for data annotation, model training, and performance monitoring.
• Mentor junior AI engineers and actively participate in the AI/ML community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, Machine Learning, or a closely related field, with a strong emphasis on autonomous systems.
• Proven experience in applying deep learning in computer vision, preferably in the context of autonomous vehicles or robotics.
• In-depth understanding of sensor fusion, environmental perception, and spatial-temporal reasoning for autonomous navigation.
• Strong proficiency in Python, C++, and deep learning libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch) along with experience using simulation and visualization tools.
• Demonstrable experience in path planning algorithms, including probabilistic planning, graph-based methods, and optimal control for vehicle trajectory generation.
• Ability to work hands-on with hardware and software debugging in a real-world automotive testing environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional team atmosphere and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• Exceptional analytical skills and the capability to tackle problems with creative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively share complex technical information with other team members and stakeholders.
• 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.

Compensation Range for:
WA applicants is $115,290.00-$161,406.00
Other site ranges may differ
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
Inclusivity 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 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 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.
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.
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

• Spearhead the development of AI-driven computer vision algorithms to accurately perceive and understand the vehicle’s environment through sensor data.
• Design and implement sophisticated machine learning models for object detection, classification, semantic segmentation, and anomaly detection specific to autonomous driving scenarios.
• Innovate and develop state-of-the-art path planning algorithms that use predictive modeling and decision-making techniques to facilitate safe and efficient navigation of autonomous vehicles in dynamic conditions.
• Train, validate, and deploy neural networks capable of real-time performance in onboard vehicle systems, optimizing for accuracy, speed, and low-power consumption.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, researchers, and scientists to integrate AI/ML solutions into a comprehensive autonomous driving platform.
• Simulate and test autonomous driving algorithms using both synthesized data and real-world driving scenarios to ensure robustness.
• Provide thought leadership in AI/ML by keeping abreast of the latest research and trends in the field, with a focus on applications in autonomous vehicles.
• Optimize AI models for edge and cloud deployment, addressing challenges such as latency, model compression, and distributed computing for vehicle fleets.
• Develop metrics and validation strategies to quantitatively assess the performance of computer vision and path planning systems in varied conditions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of in-house machine learning pipelines and tools for data annotation, model training, and performance monitoring.
• Mentor junior AI engineers and actively participate in the AI/ML community